The Lead
On the newest season of ESPN's Eli's Places, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and his father, Patrick Nix, joined Eli Manning for a special trip back to their alma mater, Auburn University.
Manning met up with the father-son duo to experience one of college football's most unique traditions: rolling Toomer's Corner after a big win. Together, the three reflected on the Nix family's Auburn roots, some of their favorite Tiger memories and the moments that defined Bo's college career.
The Nix family has long ties to Auburn, and the episode highlighted their connection to the program. One of duo's favorite memories came after the Tigers' legendary "Kick Six" win over Alabama in 2013.
"That was kind of the first time I'd [rolled Toomer's Corner] after a win because usually it's so packed," the younger Nix said. "I grew up away from Auburn, so we'd watch it on TV, and then we'd go out in the neighborhood and roll the trees at our house. … Kick Six was really the first time we were here for a great moment [and that] we got to do it."
Nix also recalled his own Iron Bowl win in his SEC Freshman of the Year season in 2019.
"When we beat them [Alabama] in 2019, my first year here, we made the walk, our family from the tailgate, and that was one of the best [memories]," the Broncos' quarterback said.
Across five seasons and 61 career starts at Auburn and Oregon, Nix became one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football. He explained how those reps, both the successes and the challenges, shaped him into the player he is today.
"Through those 60, or [however many] games it was, I learned a lot," Nix said. "I wouldn't be the player I am today without each and every one of them — the good and the bad. Even though I didn't finish here, I'll always be able to say, 'I graduated from Auburn.'"
To wrap up the visit, Manning and the Nix duo helped lead an event to set the world record for the largest rolling of Toomer's Corner. Surrounded by fans, the trio rolled trees and celebrated one of college football's most iconic traditions in the heart of Auburn.
Click here to watch the full episode.
