Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos were eliminated from the NFL playoffs on Sunday after losing to the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos weren’t expected to have a big year this season as they are still dealing with the financial implications of the Russell Wilson trade, but Nix helped take the team to the next level.

He finished his rookie season by leading the Broncos to their first playoff game since the team won the Super Bowl against the Carolina Panthers in 2015. Nix threw for a Broncos rookie record of 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns.

On Monday, it was announced that Nix had to play the last few games of the season while dealing with a back fracture. He sustained the injury in a November 24 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Yes, I got twisted up a little bit, had three process fractures. A lot of guys play with a lot of those kinds of things,” Nix said, via ESPN. “I wasn’t going to miss the first Monday night game. I got treatment on it, and then we were fortunate to have an off week that next week. It kind of went away after that. It was annoying, but we all play with annoying [ailments].”

The Broncos future looks brighter because of the play, and he showed the team his toughness and that he is willing to play through injury to help his team win.