Who is Jarrett Stidham?

In a league obsessed with first‑round draft picks and instant stars, Jarrett Ryan Stidham’s path through professional football reads like an underdog novel: one of patience, preparation, struggle, and ultimately unexpected opportunity. Born on August 8, 1996, in Corbin, Kentucky, and raised in Stephenville, Texas, Stidham’s story has been defined not by the bright glare of stardom from the outset but by consistent work in the shadows – until fate thrust him into the most intense spotlight an NFL quarterback can face: a conference championship game.

Early Life and High School Stardom

Stidham’s early years laid the foundation for his football aspirations. Growing up in Texas – a state where high school football is almost religious – he displayed dual‑threat capabilities that turned heads from a young age. At Stephenville High School, he completed an impressive 183 of 260 passes for 2,934 yards and 35 touchdowns, adding 969 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in his senior year, showcasing both arm talent and athleticism that made him one of the top dual‑threat quarterback prospects in the nation.

This level of production earned him a four‑star recruit ranking and offers from major college programs – including Auburn, Alabama, Arizona State, and Texas Tech. Initially, Stidham committed to Texas Tech, but he later flipped his commitment to Baylor University, setting in motion a collegiate journey that would see both highs and strategic moves.

College Career: Baylor and Auburn

Freshman Year at Baylor (2015)

At Baylor, as a freshman quarterback in 2015, Stidham began his college career with promise. He stepped into the starting lineup after an injury to the starter, showing impressive efficiency. He completed 75 of 109 passes (68.8%) for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding rushing scores, demonstrating a complete skill set. Unfortunately, an ankle injury curtailed his season and ultimately led to a pivotal decision: to transfer.

Transfer and Redemption at Auburn (2017–2018)

After a brief stint at McLennan Community College, Stidham transferred to Auburn University, where he became the starter for two seasons (2017 and 2018). At Auburn, he fully showcased his abilities against elite competition.

In 2017, he led the Tigers to a 10‑4 record and an SEC West Division title, including memorable wins over No. 1 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama – rare accomplishments that sparked national attention. That season, he threw for 3,158 yards with 18 touchdowns and maintained a strong completion percentage over 66%.

His final college season, 2018, saw slightly diminished numbers but sustained excellence. Stidham finished with nearly 2,800 yards and 18 touchdowns, capping his collegiate career with a dominating Music City Bowl MVP performance, where he threw five touchdown passes in a blowout win. Over his three college seasons (Baylor + Auburn), he compiled over 7,200 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and a 64.3% completion percentage – numbers that reflected productivity and leadership against high‑level defenses.

NFL Entry: Draft and Early Years

Drafted by New England (2019)

Stidham entered the professional ranks when the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. While many draft analysts believed his skill set merited earlier consideration, especially given his SEC pedigree, the Patriots — led by legendary coach Bill Belichick — valued Stidham’s intelligence and football instincts.

His rookie contract — roughly $3 million over four years — reflected the typical compensation for mid‑round quarterbacks, with a modest signing bonus. Stidham’s initial role was clear: understudy to future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, one of the most successful players in league history.

Patriots Backup (2019–2021)

As a rookie, and through much of his tenure in New England, Stidham saw limited game action. He appeared in a handful of games, often in low‑leverage moments or mop‑up duty. While his opportunities were modest — totaling only a few passes in his first seasons — these early years were critical for learning the nuances of the NFL: game speed, defensive complexities, and veteran leadership dynamics.

The difficult truth for Stidham was that playing time was scarce. In a Patriots offense that prized Brady’s precision and command, the young quarterback remained in reserve, gathering experience but rarely commanding the field.

Shifts in the NFL: Raiders and Opportunity

Trade to Las Vegas (2022)

In May 2022, Stidham was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders — a major shift for a player who had rarely been more than a backup. Reunited with coach Josh McDaniels, his former offensive coordinator in New England, Stidham found himself in a new setting with a legitimate shot at playing time.

Late in the 2022 season, with the Raiders moving on from starter Derek Carr, Stidham was named the starter for the final two games of the year. In his first career start, he produced a memorable performance — throwing for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Though the Raiders lost in overtime, it was a breakthrough moment showing his potential ability to lead an NFL offense.

Arriving in Denver: Backup to the Future

Signing with the Denver Broncos (2023)

Stidham joined the Denver Broncos in 2023 on a free‑agent contract, seeking stability and another opportunity. Initially, he served as a backup behind young and promising starter Russell Wilson and later Bo Nix — a rookie whose meteoric 2025 campaign eclipsed many expectations. In Denver’s offense, under coach Sean Payton, Stidham’s role was clear: prepare meticulously, contribute in practice, and be ready.

His 2023 season — and early 2024 — saw limited action, but he demonstrated enough competence and trustworthiness for the Broncos to retain him. In March 2025, Denver signed Stidham to a two‑year, $12 million extension, with significant guarantees, signaling belief in his value as a backup and potential starter.

2025 Season: Quiet Regular‑Season, Explosive Postseason Moment

The 2025 regular season unfolded without much fanfare for Stidham. He did not throw a pass in the regular season, serving as the primary backup behind Bo Nix, the sensational rookie who revitalized Denver’s offense. Nix’s absence in Denver’s Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys allowed Stidham to end that game with a kneel — technically recorded as his only in‑season appearance.

However, the Broncos’ 2025 playoff run changed everything.

The Unexpected Rise: 2025 Playoffs and 2026 AFC Championship

Bo Nix Injury

During the Broncos’ thrilling Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, Nix suffered a devastating season‑ending ankle fracture. This sudden loss transformed Stidham’s status from inactive backup into Denver’s playoff quarterback – a dramatic shift at the most critical juncture of the season.

The AFC Championship Game

Stidham’s preparation met opportunity when he was named the starter for the 2026 AFC Championship Game against his former team, the New England Patriots — the same franchise that drafted him. The rarity of this situation cannot be understated: he became only the second quarterback since 1950 to make his first start of a season in the Conference Championship, joining Roger Staubach, who last achieved the feat in 1972.

In that game, Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception, and suffered a critical fumble in the red zone – a pivotal play that allowed the Patriots to score the game’s only touchdown. Denver ultimately fell 10–7, ending their Super Bowl aspirations.

Career Reflections: Stats, Style, and Legacy

Career Overview

Over his career, through the 2025 season, Stidham has appeared in 20 NFL games with four starts, completing 117 of 197 passes (59.4%) for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions – statistics that reflect not a star’s trajectory, but a journeyman’s perseverance.

His first NFL start in 2022 demonstrated runway potential, his 2023 Denver action showed competence, and his 2026 championship start underscored both the unpredictability of football and the importance of readiness.

Playing Style and Strengths

Stidham’s game blends traditional quarterback traits: a strong arm, understanding of complex offensive schemes, and the ability to extend plays with his legs when needed. While his pocket presence and consistency have been debated among analysts and fans — as some note limitations in accuracy or timing – his biggest professional strength is mental toughness and adaptability. Whether learning behind Brady, stepping into a rebuilding Raiders offense, or absorbing a complex playbook in Denver, Stidham’s persistence has stood out.

His statistical profile may not jump off the page, but context matters: many NFL quarterbacks never get significant snaps or meaningful roles, yet Stidham’s ability to remain in the league as a trusted option speaks to his professionalism and team value.

The Human Story: Patience, Preparation, and Poise

Jarrett Stidham’s story transcends mere numbers. It is a narrative of patience in the face of uncertainty, preparation without immediate reward, and poise under immense pressure. Scouts, coaches, and teammates have often noted his cerebral approach to football – a quality that often becomes more valuable when opportunity knocks unexpectedly.

When Bo Nix’s injury gave Stidham his chance in the 2026 AFC Championship, it wasn’t purely chance: it was the culmination of years spent in meeting rooms, film sessions, and practice reps – moments unseen by most fans. That narrative embodies a timeless lesson in sports and life: success isn’t always linear, nor is it always loud. Sometimes, it arrives in the quiet moments when opportunity intersects with preparation.

Looking Ahead

As of early 2026, Jarrett Stidham remains under contract with the Broncos through the 2026 season, set to earn close to $6 million that year — a testament to Denver’s belief in his value as a veterans backup and emergency starter.

Although he has yet to secure a long‑term starting role, his career has reaffirmed a crucial truth in professional sports: a player’s worth isn’t defined only by accolades but by readiness to seize defining moments.