You Won't Believe What Happened During Stidham's Shocking NFL Finale—Was It Really Russell's Last Game?

After years of waiting in the wings, Jarrett Stidham finds himself on the cusp of a significant opportunity as the Denver Broncos prepare for the AFC Championship game. Stidham, who has twice faced setbacks in his quest to become a full-time NFL starter, stands poised to take the field in a high-stakes matchup, potentially leading his team to Super Bowl 60.

Once regarded as the potential successor to Tom Brady with the New England Patriots, Stidham's initial promise took a detour in 2020 when coach Bill Belichick signed veteran quarterback Cam Newton. Fast forward four years, and Stidham entered training camp this season as a frontrunner in a three-way battle for the starting position in Denver. However, after an impressive showing by Bo Nix, Stidham settled into a backup role, a position made even more complicated by Nix's devastating ankle injury in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Remarkably, it has been over two years since Stidham last threw an NFL pass. His most recent appearance came on January 7, 2024, where his final throw was an interception during a meaningless game against the Las Vegas Raiders, sealing a lackluster end to the Broncos' season. The Broncos have experienced unusual stability at the quarterback position for the past two seasons, allowing Nix to start every game and leaving Stidham on the sidelines without an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Stidham's Journey to the AFC Championship

The timing of Stidham's return could not be more critical. On the brink of a championship, he will be tasked with delivering pivotal passes and executing plays that could lead the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2016. The last time Stidham took the field in a meaningful game, he was unable to overcome the Raiders, as his performance was marred by the interception that effectively ended the game.

In Denver, Stidham's journey has seen highs and lows. Following a Christmas Eve defeat to the New England Patriots that dashed the Broncos' playoff hopes, coach Sean Payton opted to bench Russell Wilson to prevent any risk of injury, paving the way for Stidham to step into a starting role for the final two games of the 2023 season. Stidham went 1-1 during that stretch, including a win against the struggling Los Angeles Chargers. His performance was enough to convince the Broncos' coaching staff that he could handle the pressure of the playoffs.

Despite having only four NFL starts under his belt across seven seasons, Stidham's training camp performances have garnered him respect among teammates and coaches alike. At $6 million per year, he is one of the highest-paid backups in the league, a testament to the Broncos' belief in his potential. While his career statistics reveal eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, Stidham’s efficiency during his limited starts has sparked optimism within the Broncos organization.

As Stidham prepares to take the reins, the question remains: can he transcend his previous performances and lead the Broncos to victory in the AFC Championship? With his lack of recent game time, he steps into this crucial game as a wildcard—an unknown quantity that could either lift the Broncos to glory or falter under pressure. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and for Stidham, this moment is not just about football; it’s a chance to prove he can finally seize the opportunity that has eluded him for so long.