Former Oregon Duck quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Troy Franklin are pegged as Denver Broncos rookies to possibly start NFL week one.

Both Nix and Franklin begin Broncos three-day rookie minicamp today, taking the field in Denver for the first time.

“Troy always was Bo’s insurance blanket, where he always felt that if he could get the ball to Troy, he’s going to have a chance to win,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning told the Denver Gazette.

In a strategic move, Denver traded up to select Franklin as the 102nd overall pick. Giving up draft picks to Seattle, to reunite Franklin with Nix. 

The reason for the trade and pick goes deeper than just giving Nix a familiar weapon. However, the existing chemistry is sure to be a massive benefit as the two navigate joining the NFL.

“I think chemistry between a wideout and quarterback is so important and it’s real hard to kind of get in rhythm with it just because of the time constraints of coaching nowadays,’’ Lanning said to the Denver Gazette. “That makes it hard, so I think it will be an awesome connection for those two, no doubt. … Those guys have played a lot of football together.”

The Broncos were shocked to see Franklin available on day three of the draft and knew they had to act fast. Denver lost receiver Jerry Jeudy this offseason and Franklin has a chance to see major playing time. With elite speed, Franklin is poised to be a potent deep threat to enhance Denver’s aerial attack.

The Broncos hope Nix becomes their franchise quarterback in the post-Russell Wilson era in Denver.

With Nix, Franklin and former Oregon offensive lineman Alex Forsyth on the Broncos, the roster is looking a lot like the “Denver Ducks.”

One problem… Coach Lanning grew up a major Kansas City Chiefs fan.

His former players are now AFC West division rivals of his reigning-Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to win the divisional crown for eight-straight seasons. So how will Lanning’s cheering alliances change on NFL Sunday?

“Blood is thicker than water,’’ Lanning told The Denver Gazette. “I got to cheer for my guys, Bo and Troy. I always want those guys to have success.”

Both Nix and Franklin are fresh off their best football seasons yet.

Nix set multiple records at Oregon, including the highest season completion percentage at 74.9 percent, and the most completions, passing yards, and touchdowns in a single season.

The pro comparison Nix has often received is to retired New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees, which he has previously said he’d gladly accept.

“Yeah, I’ve heard quite a few different ones,” Nix told Sporting News. “If they want to compare me to Drew Brees, then I’ll take it. I think he’s an incredible player.” 

When Nix got the draft call from Broncos Coach Sean Payton, Nix asked, “You want to win a Super Bowl?”

Franklin is Oregon’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (25) and tied for the most 100-yard receiving games (11).

The Broncos announced Nix will wear No. 10, his long-time number. Franklin will wear No. 16 after being No. 11 with the Ducks.  

If you follow Oregon Athletics or any of its student-athletes on social media you have most likely seen posts promoting DOAF also known as “Ducks of a Feather” or even Oregon sneaker collaborations with the notorious site GOAT, a platform to buy and sell sneakers, apparel, and accessories.

But what are these products and why are so many Oregon athletes promoting them? These products and exclusive collaborations are a part of Oregon’s name, image, likeness revolutionary, ‘Division Street.’

Division Street is an NIL collective formed by Oregon alumni and donors such as The Papé Family, Jim Morse, Ed Maletis, and the shoe dog himself, Phil Knight. Division Street aims to empower student-athletes to navigate the NIL landscape and maximize their earning potential.  

“Our goal is to elevate the athlete experience by bringing in leading expertise across brand, marketing, sponsorship, digital and creative to support all University of Oregon student-athletes, inclusive of every sport and across gender,” said Division Street CEO Rosemary St. Clair.

Oregon is home to some of the nation’s top NIL earners. Currently,two Oregon Ducks are Top-10 earners. Football players Dillon Gabriel and Evan Stewart, both high-profile transfers, rank in the top 10 of NIL earners nationally. They currently have On3 NIL values of 1.4 million dollars (Gabriel) and 1.3 million (Stewart). Although neither of these athletes have played an in-season game yet for Oregon, Division Street has played a key role in their success.  

Not only is Division Street helping student-athletes reach their financial goals, but it also helps in positioning them to give back to their community. Gabriel used NIL money to give jerseys to his high school alma mater in Hawaii.   

“It’s been easy for me and supernatural because this is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Gabriel told Pete Nakos of On3. “When NIL started out, I just gave sneakers to the basketball team and accessories. Super small, right? If we look at it in, in this case, it’s a small thing, but it could change somebody’s life. It could completely impact somebody’s life.”

Another Oregon athlete who is using NIL to give back is Men’s basketball center, N’Faly Dante. Dante is using his earnings to build a house for his mother Assetou Diabate.   

“For basketball players from Africa, we’re not just representing our family or our city, we’re representing our country,” Dante said. “We have a lot of kids looking up to us. We’ve got to do things the right way and show them how to do it.”

It is bigger than sports, money, and NIL. Division Street has helped athletes set positive examples off the field and court.  

Former Oregon athlete and current WNBA star, Sabrina Ionescu is also involved in Division Street and serves as its Chief Athlete Officer.  

“As an athlete navigating the world of brand and partnerships myself, I see a real opportunity to provide today’s college players more professional counsel as they grapple with the new NIL landscape,” said Ionescu.   

The world of NIL and collegiate athletics as a whole is always changing. Division Street aims to help athletes navigate these changes and prepare them for a better future.