Bo Nix sends message to other college football players considering opting out of bowl game

Bo Nix sent a message to other plays considering opting out of the bowl games: don’t do it. Well, if it’s smart of course.

The Oregon quarterback isn’t going to dictate what other players do in the future, but he certainly set an example by playing in the Fiesta Bowl for the Ducks and going out with a win. Next up, he’ll go to the Senior Bowl ahead of the NFL Draft.

But playing in the Fiesta Bowl for Oregon was worth every snap.

“Well, for me, my decision was simple,” Nix said after the win. “I wanted to go out and compete one more time. I wanted to go out and play another game. I don’t think you’re promised too many opportunities to play football. And with the year that we had, it would have been a shame if I didn’t go out there and finish with the guys who made it all possible. So all I can go off is just my feelings and my decision.” 

Nix finished his final game in a Ducks uniform 28-of-35 passing for 363 yards and five touchdowns.

“I didn’t think I ever had a question if I was playing in it or not playing it and I just kind of thought it was gonna be assumed that I was gonna play it to be honest with you,” Nix said. “But there wasn’t much of a decision and for some guys, that’s different. It’s all you know, situationally based. 

“But I just couldn’t wait to get back on the field with these guys after what happened on December 1st, and I couldn’t wait to go back out there and compete one more time and you know, if I had the opportunity, I was going to go use it.”

A nearly flawless performance that saw him receive a curtain call in the fourth quarter.

“I mean, it’s been one of the best decisions I could have ever made,” Nix said postgame on the ESPN broadcast. “I think the history and the tradition of this university and this team to be able to represent it, you know, in the way that we did, it’s an honor to me. 

“I’m just extremely blessed and fortunate and you know, the Lord, you know, ordered my steps. And, you know, all I had to do is just follow and I mean, he’s been so good to me. Probably too good to be honest with you, but I wouldn’t have traded the last few years for anything.”

Nix held a game ball during the interview and it’s one he’ll keep when he gets to look back on his college career.

“This will go home with me somewhere,” Nix said. “And eventually when I get all settled down, I have to frame it and put it somewhere. And I got a few of them from college and this was definitely special.”

Nix finished his final season with Oregon as the best one of his collegiate career. He had 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions. Pretty special.His focus turns to the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Oregon quarterback who started his career at Auburn went out on top.