NFL star Bo Nix has revealed the heartbreaking reason why he’s afraid of dogs, after confronting his fears with Kirk Herbstreit on Christmas Day.
The Denver Broncos quarterback went viral earlier this year after giving Herbstreit’s famous dog, Peter, a cold reception when their paths crossed.
Fans were left confused at the time but, after Herbstreit organized a reunion on Wednesday before the Kansas City Chiefs game, Nix revealed that his fear comes from being hurt by a dog as a kid.
‘I just think when I was little I got attacked by one, and I didn’t know any better,’ Nix, one of the NFL’s standout players this season, explained.
‘My family didn’t grow up with them. My whole family’s not really a dog family. We had one when I was a kid, and then it passed away, and we didn’t get a new one.’
But despite the uncomfortable memory, Nix conquered his fear. Taking to Instagram, ESPN and Amazon Prime broadcaster Herbstreit shared a video of Nix and the dog Peter with the caption: ‘We had to make it happen after last time [laughing emojis].
Denver Broncos star Bo Nix faced his fears as he petted Kirk Herbstreit’s dog on Christmas
Nix previously went viral after walking away from Herbstreit’s dog, Peter, earlier this year
In the video, Herbstreit announced his intentions for Nix to pet his beloved Peter, before the footage cut to the duo having a conversation during warm ups.
The broadcaster initially apologized for their previous encounter, stating he was unaware of Nix’s fears, before the NFL star eventually went over and offered to pet Peter.
‘My wife will be shocked!’ the Broncos signal declared as he briefly stroked Herbstreit’s dog.
The broadcaster then pressed Nix on where his fears stem from, which lead the Broncos star to revealing the traumatic experience in his childhood.
It isn’t the first time Nix has found himself at the center of a dog story this season.
Earlier this month, the Broncos signal-caller sent social media into a frenzy by hilariously coining the term ‘Overdog.’
Denver headed into their December 14 clash against the Green Bay Packers as clear underdogs, but they stunned the pundits with a commanding 34-26 victory.
Speaking to CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson on the field, a beaming Nix declared: ‘Now we’re the overdogs!’
Quarterback-turned-sportscaster Herbstreit routinely brings his dog on to the set of shows
Broncos star Nix admitted that his wife, Izzy, would be shocked to see him petting a dog
Since the quip went viral, the quarterback has wasted no time in turning the meme into a force for good. Taking to his Instagram, Nix announced the launch of a brand-new ‘Overdogs’ apparel line.
In a class act, proceeds from the website will benefit the Denver Rescue Mission, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness across Metro Denver and Northern Colorado.
The Broncos’ winning momentum shows no signs of slowing down after they toppled the Chiefs 20-13 on Christmas Day.
All eyes now turn to Sunday, January 4, when they face off against the Los Angeles Chargers.
