Two former Duck football stars battle it out in the NFL

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04:56

Koin.com

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) - Two legendary Oregon players, rookie Bo Nix and Justin Herbert, had a high-profile reunion during the Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers game in the AFC West on Thursday.

Both quarterbacks are having solid seasons, showcasing why their Oregon roots helped prepare them for success at the professional level.

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against Washington during the first half of the Pac-12 championship NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

This season, Nix's and Herbert's numbers have been strikingly similar. Nix has thrown for 2,972 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding 327 rushing yards and five total scores. Herbert also looking strong with 2,959 throwing yards, 16 touchdowns, and only two interceptions.

Under coach Dan Lanning, Nix flourished at Oregon, where he led the Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl win and established single-season school records for passing yards (4,508) and touchdowns (45) in 2023. Last season, he set a national record for a completion rate of just over 77%, which has carried nicely into the NFL.

“He’s got a maturity and confidence that lifts the entire team,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “When you have that at quarterback, you’re never out of a game.”

Justin Herbert on the other hand is in his 5th NFL season. An integral player with the Chargers, he has been the steady force for an offense plagued by injuries. Herbert is renowned for his calmness and accuracy.

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 31-28. (AP Photo/Matt York)

From Sheldon High in Eugene to being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert's journey solidified his status as one of Oregon's greatest players of all time. His leadership and ability to step up in crucial situations were evident in the Rose Bowl victory that marked the end of his senior year.

“The big-game environments, the pressure—it’s something you learn to handle at Oregon,” Herbert said earlier this season.

Both quarterbacks developed their skills in Eugene, especially for Nix who transferred to complete an unprecedented collegiate career.

Joining them are Troy Dye (Chargers) and Troy Franklin (Broncos), both former Ducks as well. Calvin Throckmorton is on the practice squad, and youngster Alex Forsyth amplifies Denver's offensive line.

One thing is for sure, the Oregon connection is strong in this game.

Under a new scheduling regulation, the game is the NFL's first flex to Thursday Night Football. Sean Payton, coach of the Broncos, emphasized the value of efficient game preparation for such a short turnaround.

KOIN will continue to follow this developing story.