Hall-of-Famer and former Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning had an optimistic message for Broncos head coach Sean Payton following last season’s offensive struggles.

According to The Denver Post, Manning praised Sean Payton and feels confident in where the Broncos are headed this offseason during the Night of Champions event in Denver celebrating Super Bowl 50.

“Sean knows what they need to do. I think they’ve also got to have a bunch of unselfish guys who all can look at themselves in the mirror and say, ‘What can I do to get better this offseason and help the team?’" Manning stated.

In the offseason, the Denver Broncos added wide receiver Jaylen Waddle via a trade from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for their 2026 first-round No. 30 pick and a third-round pick.

Jaylen Waddle came out of the 2025 season with 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns, while Strnad started eight games for the Broncos, recording 69 tackles, three sacks, and three passes defended.

In 2025, the Broncos also drafted Jim Thorpe Award winner cornerback Jahdae Barron, who was regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the 2025 draft class.

They also drafted running back RJ Harvey, who rushed for 540 yards and scored seven touchdowns during the 17 games he played last season.

The Broncos also drafted wide receiver Pat Bryant and signed veterans like running back J.K. Dobbins. The front office also re-signed linebacker Justin Strnad to a three-year $18 million contract.

With that, they finished the 2025 season with a 14–3 score record, and Manning gives credit to the Denver Broncos’ head coach and general manager for the success.

“I think it’s pretty unique from that standpoint. It’s not by accident. Sean and (general manager George Paton) have drafted and signed guys that are unselfish, that are team-oriented. And that’s the way you’ve got to have it in order to win,” Manning said.

In addition, quarterback Bo Nix is coming back stronger than ever after his injury in the AFC Divisional game, according to Peyton Manning.

Promising Update on Bo Nix's Injury

After sustaining an ankle fracture last season that made it impossible for him to play in the AFC Championship Game, Bo Nix is reported to be back in the team’s offseason program, strong and healthy.

“He wants to be out there. His teammates are out there for him and he wants to answer the bell for them. I’m sure that was the hardest part. That’ll push him even harder and make him even hungrier this year,” Manning further stated.

He fractured his right ankle during the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills but still led his team to an overtime win with a score of 33–30.

Following this, Nix underwent surgery to repair the fracture in Birmingham, Alabama, under renowned foot and ankle specialist Dr. Norman E. Waldrop III.

Expected to make a full recovery before Week 1, Bo Nix and the Broncos look forward to continue their playoff momentum in the upcoming season.

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Rishab Nandi