Peyton Manning said on April 22 that the Denver Broncos and quarterback Bo Nix can use their recent postseason loss as motivation to improve in the upcoming 2026 season. Manning, who won two Super Bowls during his career, shared his perspective at Omaha Productions’ “Night of Champions,” where he reflected on both victories and difficult defeats.
Manning said that tough losses can drive a team to achieve more. He compared losing in high-stakes games to missing the playoffs entirely, saying, “I’d rather have my heart ripped out, because that means you’re knocking on the door.” According to Manning, experiencing disappointment after coming close to a championship signals progress toward reaching bigger goals.
He expressed confidence in Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton for assembling a group of unselfish players focused on team success. “I think this team has it figured out,” Manning said. “Sean knows what they need to do. I think they’ve also got a bunch of unselfish guys… That’s the way you’ve got to have it to win.”
Manning also mentioned that players like Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton are likely motivated by how close they came last season. “It makes you hungrier for the next year. It means you’re doing something right, and I know Sean and that bunch will rebound and … I think, be even better this year,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nix is expected to return after an ankle injury ended his previous season early. Manning noted seeing Nix recently at The Masters tournament and observed he was recovering well: “He’s a competitive guy, and he’s a team guy… I’m sure that was the hardest part. But I think that will push him even harder and make him even hungrier this year.”
