The star quarterback makes his case for why his name should be in the mix for MVP discussions, pointing to his unique journey and unexpected success.
Despite being a college football standout, Bo Nix has recently opened the door to MVP conversations in the NFL, and he's making a compelling case as to why his name deserves to be mentioned among the league’s elite. Known for his success as a quarterback at
In an exclusive interview, Nix addressed the growing buzz around his name in MVP discussions, admitting that it may seem unconventional, but he believes it’s warranted. "I know it sounds a bit wild," Nix said with a smile, "but there’s something about my journey that makes it interesting. I’m not just here because of luck or timing — I’ve put in the work, and that’s why I’m in these conversations."
Nix's entry into the NFL MVP talk has baffled some, given his recent transition from college to the pros, but his development as a quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. His rapid ascension from an
“I’ve been through a lot to get to this point,” Nix continued. “People have a perception of me because of my college career, but it’s been more than just that. I’ve had to adjust, grow, and evolve — and I’m doing that at a level I think people are starting to notice.”
While Nix’s college success was evident, many NFL fans and analysts had their doubts about his ability to transition successfully. However, his ability to lead his team to victories, his
“The MVP conversation isn't just about the stats,” Nix added. “It’s about the impact you have on your team and how you elevate those around you. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not here just to throw numbers out — I want to help my team win and be in the mix when the conversation matters most.”
The mysterious appeal of Nix’s rise is undeniable. Whether it’s his ability to take over games when it matters, his leadership qualities, or the raw potential he's continuing to unlock in his career, his inclusion in the MVP conversation represents a perfect storm of hard work and untapped talent.
As the season progresses, Bo Nix’s case for MVP status is gaining traction, and it’s clear that he’s determined to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL.
“I’m here to prove that I belong,” Nix concluded. “And maybe that’s the mystery behind all of this. The real question is, will others see it too?”
The Lightning could decide to promote some of them on the NHL roster
The Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-2) are getting back in their groove, winning four straight games after their 2-1 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars. While the Lightning look to rise to the top of the Atlantic Division their American Hockey League (AHL, Syracuse Crunch) and ECHL teams (Orlando Solar Bears) are heading in opposite directions. The Crunch are cruising, with a 6-1-0-0 record, which leads the North Division, while the Solar Bears own a dreadful 1-4-0-0 record, allowing twice as many goals (20) as they’ve scored.
Even still, there are standouts littered in the minors for Tampa Bay, and in some instances, the Lightning could decide to promote some of them on the NHL roster.
AHL: Jakob Pelletier, F
The Lightning signed Pelletier to a three-year contract last offseason in the hopes he’d reach his massive upside. At 24 years old, the 2019 first-round pick scored four goals and seven assists with a plus-10 rating in 24 games for the Calgary Flames last season. That’s an average of about 14-24-38 over a full season, and he was usually playing bottom-six minutes.
Unfortunately, the Flames traded the winger to Philadelphia for Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost in late January. Pelletier couldn’t get back his offensive spark in Philadelphia. With the Flyers, he scored just three goals, five assists, and eight points in 25 games, sometimes being healthy scratched. When he was due $840,000 on a qualifying offer on a two-way deal, the Flyers non-tendered him, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Pelletier hasn’t made his debut with the Lightning, but with the Crunch, he’s thriving. Through seven games, Pelletier has notched four goals and five assists, with a plus-1 rating. He currently leads the Crunch in points and goals. In a 5-2 win against the Hershey Bears, Pelletier had two goals and an assist.
If Pelletier keeps this pace up, the Lightning could recall him, and he could be an injection of youth Tampa Bay desperately needs right now.
AHL: Dylan Duke, F
Dylan Duke is another young talent the Lightning hope can evolve into an NHL-caliber forward. He was drafted 121st overall by Tampa Bay after a stellar career with the Michigan Wolverines. In 2023-24, Duke was on a team with NHL draftees Gavin Brindley, Rutger McGroarty, and Seamus Casey. However, Duke led the team in goals (26) and finished third in points (49). Overall, he finished with 54 goals and 46 assists in 123 games.
Duke has just one goal in the NHL level so far, but he is turning a new leaf with the Crunch this season. He’s scored one goal and added six assists for seven points through seven games. He is currently in the top 20 in assists in the AHL level.
It appears Duke could be taking a big jump from his rookie season, when he scored 20 goals, 20 assists, and 40 points through 62 games. Like Pelletier, Duke is another young forward the Lightning are looking to develop into an NHL-caliber player. Unlike Pelletier, Duke is just 22, and he has time to grow and become another late-round NHL contributor for the Lightning.
ECHL: Spencer Kersten, F
It’s hard to find a standout for the Solar Bears this season, but there’s one player who’s been tried and true for them. Spencer Kersten continues to shine for Orlando.
Kersten spent four years with Princeton University and one year at Bowling-Green University before signing with the Solar Bears in 2024. In his rookie season, Kersten shined, recording 25 goals and 30 assists for 55 points through 60 games. That earned him a spot on the 2024-25 ECHL All-Rookie team.
This year, Kersten has increased his scoring output, with three goals and three assists for six points through five games. He is on pace to record 86 points this season.
That could earn Kersten a recall to the AHL. His strong play with Orlando earned him brief stints with the Crunch and the Belleville Senators on loan. He scored one goal in nine games with the Crunch, but he could be in line for more opportunities in the AHL if he keeps up this pace.
