He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

In 1941, he threw a touchdown pass with eight seconds remaining in the game to lead TCU to an upset over No.

[2] While playing for TCU, Nix was known as "Ice Water" due to his ability to remain cool under pressure.

[3] Nix missed the 1944 and 1945 season while serving in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

[2][4] He returned to the Giants in 1946, but appeared in only four games as a backup, completing 10 of 19 passes for 156 yars.