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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has turned a cheeky fan catchphrase into a meaningful holiday fundraiser, launching “Overdogs” merchandise with all proceeds benefiting Denver Rescue Mission, a local organization working to end homelessness in the Denver metro area.
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Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix Uses ‘Overdogs’ Gear to Support Denver Rescue Mission
Nix revealed the initiative through a series of Instagram story posts, spotlighting T-shirts and hoodies branded with the bold phrase “OVERDOGS.” The gear is being sold through his official site, with the quarterback making clear the campaign is about more than apparel.
“All proceeds from the sale of Overdogs gear benefit Denver Rescue Mission,” the post explained, adding that the organization works to bring an end to homelessness across metro Denver and northern Colorado.
The timing is deliberate. With the holiday season underway, Nix framed the campaign as a way to help “some of the biggest underdogs in our city feel like overdogs this Christmas,” pairing a football-flavored slogan with a broader message of community impact.
From Viral Phrase to Community Impact
The word “Overdogs” has quickly become associated with Nix among Broncos fans, a playful twist that reflects both competitive edge and self-awareness. Instead of letting the phrase live only online, Nix leaned into it as a vehicle for something tangible.
The first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot: The Overdogs
Nix dropped the quote on CBS after the Broncos defeated the Packers 34-26 on December 14. The line quickly caught fire online and became the subject of numerous articles and media hits.
In one post, he described the project simply as “having some fun with it for a great cause,” underscoring that the merch push is meant to raise awareness and funds rather than hype a personal brand.
The shirts and hoodies come in Broncos-inspired colors and prominently feature the slogan, with Denver Rescue Mission tagged directly in the posts. The nonprofit has long been active in providing meals, shelter, and long-term recovery programs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
What It Says About Nix’s Role in Denver
While the story isn’t about wins or losses, it adds to the picture of how Nix is positioning himself in Denver early in his NFL career. Community-facing gestures like this tend to resonate in markets that value connection between players and the city.
For a young quarterback that has drawn a ton of attention for his play this season, the campaign reflects an understanding of visibility and responsibility. Rather than waiting for a milestone season moment, Nix used a lighthearted trend to draw attention to a serious local issue.
It also fits a familiar pattern around the league, where young quarterbacks often look for ways to tie their growing platforms to causes that matter locally, especially during the holidays, when charitable giving is top of mind for fans.
Why It Matters Now
The push comes at a time when Denver Rescue Mission’s services are in high demand, particularly during winter months. By attaching the fundraiser to a timely slogan and making the benefit explicit, Nix helped lower the barrier for fans who want to contribute while also engaging with team culture.
Whether the phrase sticks long-term or fades with the season, the immediate impact is clear: Broncos fans have a simple way to support a local cause, and one of the franchise’s newest faces is using his platform to point attention outward.
For Denver, that combination of personality and purpose is a welcome early chapter.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. Anderson is also the host of The Rip City Pod on The I-5 Corridor, where he dives into the stories and personalities shaping the Portland Trail Blazers. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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