Jarrett Stidham: Rising Backup Quarterback Leading the Denver Broncos to the AFC Championship

Key Points:

Jarrett Stidham steps in as Broncos starting QB after Bo Nix’s injury.
Six-year NFL veteran with experience in Patriots and Raiders systems.
Praised by Sean Payton and former backup QBs for readiness under pressure.

Introduction

Jarrett Stidham, the Denver Broncos’ backup quarterback, finds himself in the spotlight as he prepares to start in the AFC Championship after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Though his NFL career has mostly unfolded in reserve roles, Stidham’s journey from Baylor to Auburn, and then through multiple NFL teams, reflects resilience, adaptability, and preparation for high-stakes moments. At 26, he’s poised to make history as the first quarterback since 1972 to start in the AFC Championship without having started a game that season.

Stidham’s Unexpected Spotlight

Stepping in due to Bo Nix’s ankle fracture
AFC Championship is his first start of the season
Experienced backup with six years in the NFL

College Career: From Baylor to Auburn

Jarrett Stidham’s collegiate path began at Baylor, where he impressed as a freshman, throwing 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions in 10 games. When his starting role was uncertain the following year, he transferred to a community college before landing at Auburn. At Auburn, Stidham became the starter for two seasons, amassing 5,952 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His time with Auburn was marked by consistency, leading the team to 10-4 and 8-5 records in his junior and senior seasons.

Stidham’s Rise in College

Freshman standout at Baylor: 12 TDs, 2 INTs in 10 games
Transferred to Auburn via community college
Auburn starter for two years: 5,952 yards, 36 TDs, 11 INTs

NFL Journey: Patriots, Raiders, and Broncos

Stidham was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft as the seventh quarterback selected. Initially, he served as backup to Tom Brady, appearing in limited action and completing just four passes in mop-up duty. Over subsequent seasons, Stidham alternated between backup and occasional starter roles, including stints behind Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer.

In 2022, he joined the Las Vegas Raiders under former Patriots coordinator Josh McDaniels. Stidham started two games, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions. He then signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023 on a two-year, $10 million contract, backing up Russell Wilson and later starting two games to finish 1-1. In 2024, the Broncos drafted Bo Nix, and Stidham returned to a reserve role, appearing in four games without attempting a pass. Over his six-year career, he has played in 20 NFL games, starting four, completing 60.6% of passes for 1,422 yards, and throwing eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

From Backup to Opportunity

Drafted by Patriots in 2019, fourth round, seventh QB picked
Started 4 NFL games, 1,422 passing yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs
Joined Broncos in 2023, now starting AFC Championship game

AFC Championship Spotlight

Stidham’s upcoming AFC Championship start is historically notable. Only six quarterbacks since 1950 have made their first start of the season in the playoffs, with Frank Reich being the only one to win. Despite this rare scenario, Stidham enters the game under the guidance of coach Sean Payton, renowned for preparing backup quarterbacks. Former Saints backups Luke McCown and Chase Daniel praised Stidham’s readiness and Payton’s ability to maintain a consistent game plan for backup QBs, citing the coach’s reputation for letting the quarterback execute without drastic changes.

A Rare Opportunity

First start of the season in AFC Championship since 1972
One of only six QBs since 1950 to start playoffs without prior seasonal starts
Supported by Sean Payton and former Saints backups

Career Earnings and Contracts

Financially, Stidham has earned roughly $25 million since entering the NFL. His rookie deal with the Patriots totaled $3 million over four seasons. His first Broncos contract in 2023 was $10 million over two years, followed by a $12 million, two-year extension. In 2026, Stidham is projected to earn close to $6 million, reflecting his value as a reliable backup quarterback who can rise to the occasion.

Earnings and Contracts

Total career earnings: ~$25 million
2023 Broncos deal: 2 years, $10 million
2025-26 Broncos contract: 2 years, $12 million

Conclusion

Jarrett Stidham’s story is one of perseverance, preparation, and seizing opportunities when they arise. From a promising freshman at Baylor to Auburn’s consistent starter, and through a challenging yet instructive NFL career, Stidham has embraced every role with professionalism. As he prepares to lead the Broncos in the AFC Championship, his journey demonstrates that resilience, patience, and readiness can turn unexpected opportunities into defining moments. For aspiring athletes and fans alike, Stidham embodies the lesson that preparation meets opportunity at the intersection of success.

Lessons from Stidham

Backup experience can lead to historic opportunities
Preparation is key to seizing moments
Inspires resilience and adaptability for all athletes

Key Points Summary

Stidham becomes AFC Championship starter due to Bo Nix’s injury
Six-year NFL veteran with 20 games played, 4 starts
Backed by coach Sean Payton’s “next man up” strategy
Only one of six QBs since 1950 to start playoffs without prior seasonal starts
Career earnings ~$25 million, including current Broncos contract

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What college did Jarrett Stidham attend?
A: Stidham started at Baylor and later transferred to Auburn, where he threw for nearly 6,000 yards in two seasons.

Q: How many NFL games has Stidham played?
A: He has appeared in 20 NFL games, starting 4.

Q: Has Stidham ever started an AFC Championship game before?
A: No, this will be his first start in an AFC Championship and the first start of the season.

Q: Who is supporting Stidham as he starts?
A: Head coach Sean Payton, as well as former backup QBs Luke McCown and Chase Daniel, have praised Stidham’s preparation and readiness.

Q: What are Stidham’s career earnings?
A: Roughly $25 million, including a $12 million two-year contract with the Broncos.

Sources

Yahoo Sports – Overview of Jarrett Stidham’s career, college stats, NFL journey, and AFC Championship context
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/who-is-jarrett-stidham-what-to-know-about-broncos-starting-quarterback-after-bo-nix-injury-144738040.html
Broncos Wire (USA Today) – Analysis of Stidham’s readiness under Sean Payton and support from former Saints backup QBs
https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2026/01/25/nfl-news-ex-saints-backup-qbs-back-sean-payton-and-jarrett-stidham/88350416007/

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