Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix Opens Up About Childhood Fear of Dogs After Viral Moment with Kirk Herbstreit’s Pet
DENVER, Colo. — On Christmas Day, as the Denver Broncos secured a hard-fought 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Bo Nix not only led his team toward a potential top seed in the AFC but also confronted a long-held childhood fear. The 25-year-old NFL star revealed the roots of his unease around dogs after a viral encounter with ESPN and Amazon Prime Video broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit’s golden retriever, Peter.
Earlier this year, Nix’s initial meeting with Peter sparked a wave of social media chatter, with some fans interpreting the quarterback’s reserved demeanor as a snub. Herbstreit, known for his passionate college football commentary, arranged a reunion between Nix and his beloved pet before Denver’s recent win, aiming to clear the air. An Instagram post from Herbstreit captured the moment with a lighthearted caption: “We had to make it happen with @bonix10 after last time @nflonprime #peter,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Following the reunion, Nix candidly shared the origins of his apprehension. “I just think when I was little I got attacked by one, and I didn’t know any better,” he told Herbstreit. “My family didn’t grow up with them. My whole family’s not really a dog family. We had one when I was a kid, and then it passed away, and we didn’t get a new one.” This personal revelation helped fans understand the quarterback’s cautious approach around dogs, a sentiment that has lingered since childhood.
The Broncos’ season has been marked by an underdog narrative, a theme Nix embraced after Denver’s upset over the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. He coined the term “overdog” to describe the team’s newfound status, telling reporters, “Now we’re the overdogs.” This phrase has since inspired an Overdogs apparel line, with proceeds benefiting the Denver Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Metro Denver and Northern Colorado.
Nix’s journey from a hesitant dog encounter to a confident leader on the field mirrors the Broncos’ own rise this season. The team’s 12 wins in 13 games have positioned them as strong contenders heading into the postseason. Meanwhile, the quarterback’s openness about his fears adds a relatable human element to his public persona.
Sports fans and observers can follow the Broncos’ progress through official NFL channels such as the NFL’s Denver Broncos page and stay updated on postseason implications via the NFL standings. Meanwhile, Kirk Herbstreit’s continued coverage of college and professional football can be found on ESPN College Football and Amazon Prime Video’s NFL broadcasts.
As the Broncos prepare for the challenges ahead, Nix’s story serves as a reminder that even professional athletes carry personal histories and fears, which they work to overcome both on and off the field.
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