Denver’s playoff run has taken an unexpected turn. The Denver Broncos will start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship Game after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
For Jarrett Stidham, this moment arks the biggest opportunity of his NFL career. The veteran now steps into the spotlight with a Super Bowl berth at stake.
Who is Jarrett Stidham?
Jarrett Stidham is a 29-year-old NFL quarterback currently on the Denver Broncos roster. He played college football at Baylor and Auburn and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. After stops with the Patriots and Raiders, he signed with the Broncos in 2023 and later extended his contract through 2026.
Jarrett Stidham has mostly served as a backup in his NFL career. He has limited starts and has only thrown sporadically over the past seasons. Despite this, his years in the league and familiarity with Denver’s offense under head coach Sean Payton give the team a capable leader in a critical game.
Why is Jarrett Stidham in the News?
Jarrett Stidham is in the spotlight after Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle during Denver’s dramatic playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. The injury ruled Nix out for the rest of the season, forcing Denver to turn to its backup quarterback for the AFC Championship Game.
This will be Jarrett Stidham’s first-ever playoff start. It is also the most important game he has played at the professional level. The Broncos are one win away from the Super Bowl, and Stidham is now tasked with leading the offense on football’s biggest stage outside the final.
Jarrett Stidham’s NFL Journey
Stidham entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, selected by the New England Patriots. In New England, he spent three seasons learning behind veteran quarterbacks, including Tom Brady and, later, Cam Newton. While his playing time was limited, he earned praise for his preparation and understanding of complex offensive systems.
In 2022, Stidham was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he finally received extended game action. He made his first NFL starts late in the season and showed flashes of confidence and command, including strong performances against playoff-calibre teams.
The Denver Broncos signed Stidham in 2023 to serve as a reliable backup and system fit under head coach Sean Payton. His familiarity with Payton’s offense and reputation as a steady locker-room presence kept him on the roster. Denver re-signed him again in 2025, reinforcing its trust in his role as QB2. Until now, Jarrett Stidham had largely remained in the background. That changes this weekend.
What Does This Mean for the Broncos?
Denver will face either the Houston Texans or the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. The team will rely heavily on its defense and running game, while asking Stidham to manage the offense and avoid mistakes.
Head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in his quarterback, stating, “Stiddy’s ready.” The Broncos believe Stidham’s experience and composure can keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
Jarrett Stidham: Career-Defining Moment
Backup quarterbacks rarely get chances like this. For Jarrett Stidham, Sunday is more than just a start. It is a moment that could reshape his NFL career. From Stephenville High to Baylor, Auburn, and now the AFC Championship, Stidham’s long journey has led him here.
