Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix have crossed paths before - not just as teammates in Denver, but way back in their Auburn days. Now, with the stakes at their highest, that shared history is coming full circle.
Back in 2018, Stidham was the man under center for the Auburn Tigers. Nix, still in high school at the time, was on a recruiting visit - a talented prospect with big-time SEC dreams.
There’s even a photo floating around from that day: Stidham in his Auburn gear, Nix standing beside him, just a teenager getting his first real look at the program. Fast forward to today, and that picture hits a little different.
Because now, Stidham is stepping in for Nix - not at Auburn, but in the AFC Championship Game, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
The Broncos' playoff hopes took a major hit when Nix, who’s been remarkably durable and consistently effective since entering the league as the 12th overall pick in 2024, suffered a broken ankle. It’s a brutal blow for a young quarterback who’s quickly earned the trust of his locker room and the respect of the league. But injuries don’t stop the postseason, and Denver has no choice but to turn to Stidham.
Here’s the thing: Stidham hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass in two years. His snaps have come in the preseason, where he’s shown flashes, but nothing that truly replicates the intensity of playoff football.
Still, he’s been in the league long enough to understand the moment. And now, he’s got to rise to it.
It’s a full-circle moment that feels almost scripted. The former Auburn starter, now stepping in for the kid who once looked up to him on a campus visit.
The dynamic has shifted - Nix, now the NFL starter with postseason experience, is the one offering insight and support. Stidham, once the mentor figure, is now the one taking the reins under pressure.
This isn’t just a sentimental storyline - it’s a real test of depth and resilience for the Broncos. Can Stidham steady the ship in the biggest game of his career? Can the team rally around a backup who’s waited patiently for this moment?
One thing’s for sure: these two quarterbacks, connected by college roots and now NFL adversity, are doing everything they can to keep Denver’s Super Bowl dreams alive.