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Bo Nix hit with controversial penalty after downfield lateral

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•01/05/25•

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© Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was hit with a penalty after throwing a lateral pass to running back Javonte Williams against the Kansas City Chiefs. Nix was penalized for an illegal forward pass.

The play happened late in the second quarter as the Broncos were up 21-0. The penalty was called after officials reviewed the play, but it looked like Nix lateraled behind Williams instead of forward. Fans went to social media to express their frustration with the penalty.

One person wrote: “It does not matter where Bo Nix released the ball and where it was caught because he as well as the ball are moving forward down the field. As long as the ball moved laterally or backward, that is a legal play. It looks like he lateraled the ball perfectly.”

Another person wrote: “Bo Nix. My Lord. I don’t like that ‘forward lateral’ rule. If the player you are pitching it to is behind you, the play should be allowed whether the ball technically travels forward or not.”

Patrick Mahomes praises Bo Nix after November matchup

The lateral is one of the many big plays Nix has made for the Broncos this season. Entering the Chiefs game, the Broncos had a 9-7 record and needed to win on Sunday to clinch a playoff spot. In his first 16 games this season, Nix completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 3,454 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with an 89.2 passer rating.

One of Nix’s most notable games was the Broncos’ two-point loss to the Chiefs in November when he threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns with a 115.3 passer rating. After the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Nix he played well and they have “got a lot of these” matchups to look forward to.

“That’s a fortunate part of playing the game and competing against these guys that have been doing it on the stage for so long,” Nix said after the game, per the Broncos’ official website. “It’s an honor, but at the same time, those are the games that you have to continue to play and continue to compete in and ultimately win. You get guys like that [and] their respect. Then, when you get their respect, it’s just kind of a special thing for you. It’s not something to be complacent about, but definitely, you feel like you’re on the right track and you’re doing the right things.”