ENGLEWOOD — Quarterback Bo Nix is the first Broncos rookie to be named a team captain since running back Floyd Little in 1967.

Nix called it an “honor” and “privilege” following practice Wednesday at Broncos Park to be voted among six captains by teammates.

“I don’t take it lightly. I know it’s a big deal. It hasn’t happened often,” Nix said. “But I’m not going to take it for granted. I’ve got to come to work every single day and just prove that you can be a captain.”

Nix makes his NFL starting debut Sunday at the Seahawks after taking command of the starting quarterback job in preseason. How Nix carried himself through the process earned the respect of teammates like inside linebacker Cody Barton.

“You don’t see a lot of rookies coming in and compose themselves the way he does,” Barton told The Denver Gazette. “He takes control of the offense. It’s been cool to watch him from the spring to the fall. We all have high regards for him, so we voted him captain.”

Coach Sean Payton added: “It’s unusual for a rookie to get made a captain. And yet, by nature, that position to some degree is leading. But that was something that organically takes place throughout the spring and training camp.”

Nix discussed the process of earning the trust of Broncos teammates to begin his rookie season.

“You gain that over time,” Nix said. “I think (teammates) see you work. They see you play. I see them play. Then you just form this relationship that you can go out there and trust them. Because you’ve seen the guy do it over and over and over. That’s the main thing in trusting, is doing what you say you’re gonna do. … We all trust each other.”

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The captains

The Broncos named their team captains Wednesday:

QB Bo Nix

WR Courtland Sutton

LB Alex Singleton

CB Pat Surtain II

OL Quinn Meinerz

K Wil Lutz

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Notable QBs in first start with Broncos

John Elway (1983 Week 1 at Steelers, 14-10 W): Exited after halftime with injury (elbow) after completing 1-of-8 passes for 14 yards, one interception and being sacked four times.

Brian Griese (1999 Week 1 vs. Dolphins, 38-21 L): Threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-40 completions with zero interceptions.

Jay Cutler (2006 Week 12 vs. Seahawks, 23-30 L): Completed 10-of-21 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions and being sacked three times.

Tim Tebow (2010 Week 14 at Raiders, 39-23 L): Threw for 138 yards and one touchdown after completing 8-of-16 passes with zero interceptions. Scored a rushing touchdown (6 carries, 78 yards).

Peyton Manning (2012 Week 1 vs. Steelers, 31-19 W): Recorded 253 yards passing on 19-of-26 completions with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Paxton Lynch (2016 Week 5 at Falcons, 23-16 L): Completed 23-of-35 passes for 223 yards with one touchdown, one interception and being sacked six times.

Drew Lock (2019 Week 12 vs Chargers, 23-20 W): Threw for 134 yards with two touchdowns and one interception on 18-of-28 completions.