The Denver Broncos hoped they found a franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, whom they drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Nix exceeded all expectations and led the Broncos to the playoffs, giving the organization hope that he’s a long-term solution under center.
Nix has been an instant success with the Broncos, and Denver is a Super Bowl contender in 2025. However, he wouldn’t be in this position today without his support system, which includes his parents, Patrick and Krista, and his wife, Izzy Smoke. Here’s everything you need to know about Nix’s significant other.
Meet Izzy Smoke, Bo Nix’s Wife
Izzy Nix was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala. From a very young age, she competed in gymnastics and also played soccer and basketball in high school, winning the girls’ championship in 2017. She was a gymnast for 12 years.
Smoke attended Auburn University from 2019 to 2022, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and minors in Psychology and Sport Coaching.
This is where Bo and Izzy first met, as Nix was Auburn’s starting quarterback for three years prior to transferring to Oregon, and Smoke was on the Tigers’ cheerleading team in 2020. She made the team despite having no experience as a cheerleader.
She has said that her favorite Auburn tradition is Rolling Toomer’s Corner, and her favorite band song is “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.
Izzy has always been passionate about sports and fitness, and she’s currently a fitness coach at F45 Training. Izzy has said that she and Bo bonded over their competitiveness.
“Bo and I are equally competitive and ambitious,” she explained. “We both grew up playing multiple sports and were taught to never back down from a challenge. We push each other towards our goals and to be better versions of ourselves daily.”
The couple announced their engagement on Instagram on July 30, 2021, with pictures of the ring overlooking Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Smoke wrote on Instagram, “Lifting my eyes up towards our Father – the One who not only answered my prayers, but exceeded them. Bo Chapman Nix, it is my greatest honor and joy that you have chosen me to be your WIFE. I cannot wait to run the rest of my race with Christ before me and beside you. HERE’S TO LOVING YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!”
Nix also shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “God is so good! I knew from the first moment I laid eyes on you that you were special. I cannot wait to be your husband. Here’s to forever with you, Izzy Smoke!”
Nix and Smoke got married in a summer wedding in 2022 in Alpine, Ala.
“I can’t believe I get to call this man my HUSBAND!!! Bo Chapman Nix, you are my best friend and my greatest gift from God,” Smoke wrote on Instagram. “I love you more than words can say. Thank you for choosing me to be your wife and for loving me so well. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us as we start this new adventure together!”
“Izzy Smoke Nix, you are my dream come true,” Nix wrote. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and the most amazing person I have ever known. You make me a better man every day and I can’t thank God enough for bringing you into my life. I love you with all my heart and soul. I’m so excited to be your husband and to spend the rest of our lives together!”
The newlyweds honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Meet the Family of Izzy Smoke
Izzy was born to Dawn Smith Smoke and Sammy Smoke. She is the second daughter in the Smoke family and has two sisters, an older sibling named Abbie Smoke-Horton and Millie Smoke.
Izzy also has a brother, Luke. Interestingly, Millie is also a cheerleader at Auburn University.
Izzy’s father, Sammy, is the treasurer, controller, and CFO of Strickland Trading Inc. in Alabama. He joined Strickland Trading in 2015 after working for 24 years at Crest Realty Inc. and serving as the CFO for Brigham Williams Commercial Properties.
He earned his bachelor’s in business administration from Auburn University in 1988, then joined Donaldson, Holman & West as a public accountant.
Broncos Players’ Fantasy Outlook for Week 10
Here is what PFSN’s Kyle Soppe wrote about the notable Broncos’ players’ fantasy outlook for the Week 10 matchup against the Raiders:
Bo Nix
Bo Nix has now thrown for multiple scores in three straight games and run for over 20 yards in four of his past five games, trending closer to what we saw during his rookie season at the perfect time.
He struggled with efficiency in Houston last week (48.7% complete). Still, with the longest rush of his season (25 yards) and 40+ opportunities in four of his past six games, Nix can safely be started in all formats this weekend against a Raiders defense that has allowed 20+ fantasy points to similar QBs that offer some versatility to combat passing inconsistencies (Marcus Mariota and Trevor Lawrence).
We are still a ways away from Nix taking that next step. He was baited into an interception last week and ranks 26th of 33 qualified QBs in YPA against pressure. The tools are in place in terms of his skill set, surrounding upside, and creative coaching for Nix to be locked into lineups, even if there are holes in the profile of the Year 2 signal caller.
After a Week 12 bye, Denver gets the Commanders and Raiders, matchups that should allow Nix to elevate your team as the regular season comes to a close.
Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton was locked up for much of Week 9 by Derek Stingley and this Houston defense, but all it takes is one.
He beat Stingley on a go route, a spot where the Pro Bowl corner seemed to believe that he had help over the top, and converted a 30-yard pass into a TD.
The play resulted in Sutton’s first TD since September, and I fear that the inconsistencies are here to stay.
- Week 4: 9.2-yard aDOT
- Week 5: 10.5-yard aDOT
- Week 6: 11.7-yard aDOT
- Week 7: 12.4-yard aDOT
- Week 8: 16.0-yard aDOT
- Week 9: 22.0-yard aDOT
The Raiders allow the 10th-most yards per deep pass attempt this season, making it possible that Sutton rips off a chunk gain, but they also own the sixth-lowest touchdown rate on such throws.
The worry here is more long-term than Week 10. I expect Bo Nix to be comfortable in this spot, and that makes his WR1 a viable low-end WR2 in the fantasy world. But against a defense like the Chiefs (Denver faces Kansas City next week and heads to Arrowhead in Week 17), the low floor certainly becomes a concern.
J.K. Dobbins
JK Dobbins has been consistent over the past three weeks: efficient with average volume, no scoring equity, and limited versatility.
That’s not a profile that is overly interesting to me, especially with 47.6% of his carries this season coming against loaded boxes. The ceiling is limited, and you could argue that there is some risk coming with the playing time.
Rookie RJ Harvey has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry on his limited number of attempts on the ground.
There are no real signs that Harvey is a real threat to the lead role, but Dobbins is already within 60 carries of his career high, reminding us that his ability to handle bellcow work for four months is a real question.
These two backs have combined for just under 23 touches per game over the past three weeks, so even if just one or two additional touches start being put on the plate of Harvey, Dobbins’ status as a middling RB2 is at risk.
The Raiders are the sixth-worst rush defense by EPA this season: Dobbins is a strong RB2 in this specific spot, but his star is at risk of fading as we get into the most important time of the fantasy season.