Jarrett Stidham’s moment has arrived-and it’s coming on the biggest stage of his football life.
With Bo Nix sidelined by a season-ending ankle injury, the Denver Broncos are turning to their veteran backup to lead them into the AFC Championship Game. For Stidham, this isn’t just another start-it’s his first career playoff appearance, and it just happens to be in one of the most high-stakes games imaginable. Talk about being thrown into the fire.
So, who is Jarrett Stidham?
At 29 years old, Stidham’s journey to this moment has been anything but linear. He grew up in Stephenville, Texas, a town nestled about 100 miles west of Dallas, and made his name early on as a standout quarterback at Stephenville High. His high school tape turned heads across the country, and he quickly became one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the nation.
Stidham began his college career at Baylor, but after a brief stint in Waco, he transferred to Auburn, where he found his footing-and then some. In 2017, he led the Tigers to signature wins over SEC powerhouses Alabama and Georgia, helping Auburn punch its ticket to the SEC Championship Game.
That season, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and was named the conference’s Newcomer of the Year. His ability to stretch the field with a smooth deep ball and poised pocket presence made him a legitimate NFL prospect.
The New England Patriots selected Stidham in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he spent three seasons in Foxborough learning behind Tom Brady and Cam Newton. While he never locked down a starting role in New England, he showed flashes of potential when given the chance. In 2022, the Patriots traded him to the Raiders, where he again served as a backup, stepping in when needed but never quite breaking through as a full-time starter.
Denver came calling in 2023, signing Stidham to a two-year deal. He re-upped with the team in 2025, continuing to serve as a trusted No. 2 behind Bo Nix. And now, with Nix out, Stidham gets his shot.
It’s not just any game-it’s the AFC Championship. And while the Broncos await the winner of the Texans-Patriots Divisional Round matchup, Stidham is preparing for the biggest start of his career. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM on ESPN, and all eyes will be on the quarterback from Stephenville who’s waited years for this kind of opportunity.
Stidham’s story is one of patience, persistence, and now, possibility. He’s been the understudy long enough. On Sunday, the stage is his.