The Denver Broncos’ postseason run came to a heartbreaker of an end on Sunday, falling 10-7 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. With Bo Nix sidelined due to a fractured ankle suffered in the divisional round, Jarrett Stidham stepped in under center, making his first playoff start in a high-stakes matchup-and while the result didn’t go Denver’s way, the moment wasn’t lost on anyone involved.
Stidham finished the game 17-of-31 for 133 yards, a stat line that doesn’t jump off the page, but considering the circumstances-thrown into the fire with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line-it was a gutsy effort. After the game, Stidham reflected on the opportunity.
“It was fun to get back out there with the guys,” he said. “Moments like this, this is why you play the game, why you grow up and play the game of football, all the long hours that you put into it. ...
This is why we do what we do. ... I was super excited for the opportunity, just hate that we fell short.”
That sentiment echoed well beyond the locker room. Kennedy Stidham, Jarrett’s wife, was in attendance at the game and shared her emotions in the aftermath. She reposted a message from the Broncos on her Instagram Story, adding a heartfelt caption that captured the emotional weight of the moment for the Stidham family.
“We love this team, we love this city,” she wrote. “Thank y’all for the kindest support all week.
This city is so special, this team is so special. We wanted this so badly for everyone.
Thank you, Jesus, always.”
It was a raw, honest reaction from someone who’s lived the highs and lows of the NFL journey right alongside her husband. Kennedy also shared a family photo from the sidelines with the simple caption: “We love you.” It was a quiet, powerful moment amid the noise of championship weekend.
On the field, Denver’s defense showed up, holding the Patriots to just 10 points, but the offense couldn’t quite find its rhythm. The Broncos had their chances, but drives stalled, and opportunities slipped away. It was a tough way to end what had been a remarkable season-14 wins, a statement victory over the Bills in the divisional round, and a return to the AFC Championship stage.
There’s no question this Broncos squad showed serious growth this season. They fought their way through a grueling AFC and came within one win of the Super Bowl.
And while Sunday’s loss stings, it’s also a sign that this team is building something real. With a young core and a clear identity, Denver’s not going anywhere.
As for Stidham, he stepped into an impossible situation and handled it with poise. No, it wasn’t a storybook ending.
But it was a moment that reminded us why we love this game-the unpredictability, the passion, the resilience. And for the Stidhams, it was a reminder of what it means to be part of something bigger than just the scoreboard.