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Bo Nix played his college ball at Auburn University and the University of Oregon before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In August, he was named the starting quarterback and became the first Broncos rookie to start a season since John Elway did in 1983.

After a slow start early, Nix started to show flashes of the superstar he was in college. Now, he’s living what his wife calls this “God-sized dream” he used to always tell her about.

Here’s more about Nix and his wife, Izzy Smoke.

How they met and when they got married

Bo Nix met Izzy Smoke (yes that is her real moniker, not a nickname) in college when they both attended Auburn.

They began dating in 2020 and the following year, Smoke posted about their anniversary on Instagram writing: “This guy is a true blessing lemme tell ya!!!! One year of knowing him and every day gets sweeter.” 

A month later, they got engaged with Nix sharing: “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!”

The following year was a big one for the couple, not only did Smoke graduate from Auburn and move across the country with Nix when he transferred to Oregon to play for the Ducks, but they also got married.

Smoke is an athlete as well

Smoke was born on Oct. 18, 1998, to parents Dawn and Sammy in Birmingham, Alabama. She has three siblings.

Smoke studied gymnastics for 12 years and played soccer and basketball in high school. At Auburn, she made the cheerleading squad despite not having any experience in that sport. As a Tigers cheerleader, she was on the sidelines rooting for her man during every game. Some of her other fond memories as part of the cheer squad are the Auburn tradition of Rolling Toomer’s Corner and hearing her favorite band song “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

Smoke earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the university and a minor in Psychology and Sport Coaching. These days, she works as a fitness coach at F45 Training.

The 1 thing Smoke wants people to know about Nix

Smoke remembers that when she met Nix he told her about his “God-sized” dream to play in the National Football League and seeing him put in years of hard work and sacrifice, she couldn’t be happier that he is fulfilling that dream today.

In a profile piece with Mestiza New York, Smoke was asked to name something that she wants people to know about her husband when he’s not on the field.

“One thing that comes to mind is that Bo and I are equally competitive and ambitious!” Smoke replied. “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. Game nights at our house are very loud and a whole lot of fun!”