Bo Nix – the Ultimate Scholar Athlete

Bo Nix is officially the recipient of the 2023 William V. Campbell Award.

The University of Oregon quarterback received the award during the 65th National Football Foundation (NFF) Awards Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas.

This is the second time in five years that the award was given to an Oregon quarterback. Justin Herbert was the last individual from the Ducks to win the trophy in 2019.

Nix’s impressive resume

The award is the academic equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, so it is a huge honor amongst the college football community. However, it seems Nix is more than qualified. 

The Campbell Trophy is awarded annually to the player who is the “absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance, and exemplary community leadership.”

In 2021, Nix graduated magna cum laude from Auburn and is now working on his Master’s Degree in Public Relations at the University of Oregon. The 23-year-old currently holds a GPA of 3.91, according to Al.com.

He also made the 2022 Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll while attending Auburn University where he accomplished three years on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Finally, Nix was also announced as the winner of the Pac-12 Football Scholar-Athlete just before the Pac-12 Championship game on December 1.

Aside from receiving a 25-pound trophy for his work, Nix received a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. The other 15 nominees also each received $18,000 in postgraduate scholarships, as well.

How football has shaped Nix

Nix received his award and attributed part of his success to everyone who has helped him along his academic and athletic journeys.

“I’ve always loved football and playing it has brought many opportunities in the community and in the classroom,” Nix said while accepting the trophy. “I appreciate that this honor recognizes the full range of work that we do outside of the football field.”

He gave credit to his teammates and coaches at the University of Oregon, saying that they welcomed him and that his time as a Duck has been one of the “best decisions of [his] life.” He also thanked his teammates at Auburn University.

“I love college football and everything that it represents and I’ve learned so many different lessons about life from the game and hopefully I have been a positive example to others,” Nix stated. “Football has taught me the resiliency to get back up and to keep taking the next best step.”

Getting the attention he deserves

NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell also commented on Nix’s hard work and why he deserves the award.

“Bo and his fellow members of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class represent more than just their standout athletic ability seen on the field,” said Hatchell. “Their academic achievements and their contributions as leaders off the field send a powerful message about the young men who play our sport.” They have taken full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by college football, and they have created a compelling legacy for others to follow.”

Nix continues to display all of the qualities that NFL coaches look for in their athletes. Of course, it is important to have athletes who can put impressive stats up. However, sometimes it is the players who prove to be exemplary humans who catch the eye of the coaches.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.