Jarrett Ryan Stidham is an American professional football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). A former four-star recruit, Stidham played college football at both Baylor University and Auburn University before entering the NFL. The New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. After three seasons as a backup with the Patriots and one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Stidham joined the Broncos in 2023. He earned his first career NFL win in 2023 and became the Broncos’ playoff starter in the 2025 AFC Championship Game following an injury to Bo Nix.
Jarrett Stidham Bio
Jarrett Ryan Stidham was born on August 8, 1996, in Corbin, Kentucky. His family relocated to Stephenville, Texas during his elementary school years. As a high school senior at Stephenville High School, Stidham showcased his dual-threat abilities by completing 183 of 260 passes for 2,934 yards with 35 touchdowns while also rushing for 969 yards and 15 touchdowns. Rivals.com rated him as a four-star recruit and ranked him as the sixth-best dual-threat quarterback in his class. Stidham initially committed to Texas Tech University before changing his commitment to Baylor University. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft and signed a four-year deal worth $3.15 million.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Stephenville, Texas, Stidham developed his football skills at a young age. His athletic talent was evident throughout his high school career at Stephenville High School, where he became a highly decorated quarterback. His impressive senior season statistics demonstrated his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, earning him recognition as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. His success in high school attracted attention from major college programs across the nation.
Stidham’s journey to college football included an initial commitment to Texas Tech University before he ultimately decided to attend Baylor University. This decision marked the beginning of his collegiate football career, setting the stage for his development as a quarterback at the Division I level.
Path to American Football
Stidham began his college career at Baylor University in 2015 as a true freshman. He entered the season as the backup quarterback to Seth Russell but soon found himself thrust into the starting role due to Russell’s season-ending injuries. Stidham made his first career start against the Kansas State Wildcats, where he completed 23 of 33 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown in an impressive debut. However, his freshman season was cut short due to ankle and back injuries. In the wake of a sexual abuse scandal at Baylor that led to significant coaching staff changes, Stidham announced his transfer from the university in July 2016.
After spending a semester at McLennan Community College, Stidham transferred to Auburn University. He was named Auburn’s starting quarterback for the 2017 season and quickly made an impact. Stidham led the Tigers to an SEC West Division Championship, including victories over top-ranked Georgia and Alabama. His performance earned him SEC Newcomer of the Year honors and Second-team All-SEC recognition in 2017. Stidham declared for the 2019 NFL draft after his junior season, concluding his Auburn career by winning the 2018 Music City Bowl MVP award against Purdue.
Jarrett Stidham Career
New England Patriots (2019–2021)
Stidham was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract and was named the second-string backup to quarterback Tom Brady at the end of training camp. Stidham selected jersey number 4, making him the first Patriots quarterback to wear that number. He saw his first NFL game action during Week 3 against the New York Jets, coming in during the fourth quarter. He completed two of three passes for 14 yards but threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
After Tom Brady departed the Patriots in March 2020, Stidham was initially viewed as a potential successor. However, the Patriots signed former MVP Cam Newton in July, and Stidham became the third-string quarterback. When Newton tested positive for COVID-19 during Week 4 of the 2020 season, Stidham moved up the depth chart. He threw his first career touchdown pass to N’Keal Harry during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, though he was also intercepted twice in that contest. The Patriots ultimately retained Newton as their starter for the remainder of the season. Stidham spent the 2021 season on the reserve physically unable to perform list following back surgery and did not appear in any games.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
On May 13, 2022, Stidham was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a draft pick. The trade reunited him with Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who had served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator during his time in New England. Stidham was named the second-string quarterback behind Derek Carr and was the only backup quarterback to make the initial 53-man roster.
On December 28, 2022, with two regular season games remaining, Stidham was named the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the first time in his career. In his debut start against the San Francisco 49ers, Stidham threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a dramatic 37-34 overtime loss. This performance showcased his potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL despite the defeat.
Denver Broncos (2023–Present)
On March 13, 2023, Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Denver Broncos. He joined the team as a veteran backup option behind Russell Wilson. On December 27, 2023, the Broncos announced that Stidham would start the final two games of the season after Russell Wilson was benched. He earned his first career NFL victory in a 16-9 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 20 of 32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers.
Stidham spent the 2024 season as the primary backup to rookie Bo Nix, appearing in three games but not attempting a pass. On March 10, 2025, he signed a two-year, $12 million extension with the Broncos with $7 million guaranteed. His only playing time during the 2025 regular season came via a kneel to end the Broncos’ Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Following a season-ending ankle injury to Bo Nix during the Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, head coach Sean Payton named Stidham the starter for the AFC Championship Game against his former team, the New England Patriots. Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while also losing a fumble in the Broncos’ 10-7 loss.
Playing Style and Strengths
Stidham is known for his dual-threat ability, combining solid arm strength with the mobility to extend plays and gain yards on the ground. His college career demonstrated his capacity to make plays against quality competition, including upset victories over top-ranked teams. At 6 feet 3 inches and 215 pounds, he possesses the size prototypical for an NFL quarterback. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been noted throughout his career, though his NFL opportunities have been limited by backup roles throughout most of his professional tenure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stidham’s career has been defined by several significant milestones. His first career NFL start with the Raiders in 2022 resulted in 365 passing yards, the most by a quarterback in their debut start that season. Earning his first career win with the Broncos in 2023 marked a personal achievement after years as a backup. Most notably, his selection as the AFC Championship Game starter in 2025 represented his highest-profile NFL appearance, coming against his former Patriots team in a game with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Jarrett Stidham Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Stidham has appeared in limited game action, primarily serving as a backup. His career passing statistics reflect his limited opportunities, with most of his production coming during spot duty and brief starting appearances.
NFL Career Highlights
Stidham’s NFL career passing statistics include 197 passing attempts with 117 completions for a 59.4 percent completion rate. He has thrown eight touchdowns against eight interceptions for 1,422 passing yards with a career passer rating of 78.3. His most productive game came during his first NFL start with the Raiders when he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers. His first career touchdown pass came during the 2020 season while with the Patriots against the Kansas City Chiefs.
College Career Achievements
Stidham’s college career at Auburn stands out as his most accomplished football to date. He earned SEC Newcomer of the Year honors in 2017 and was named Second-team All-SEC the same year. He led Auburn to an SEC West Division Championship and finished his collegiate career by winning the 2018 Music City Bowl MVP award. At Baylor, he showed promise as a true freshman before injuries and the program’s turmoil cut his tenure short.
| Competition | Attempts | Completions | Completion % | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 197 | 117 | 59.4% | 8 | 8 | 1,422 |
Jarrett Stidham Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Stidham is the cousin of former Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson. This family connection to football provides him with a hereditary link to the sport, though Stidham has forged his own path through college and professional football. His cousin’s career at Baylor represents a shared family legacy at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Stidham met his wife, Kennedy Brown, while attending Baylor University, and they married in 2019. Kennedy Brown is the daughter of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment CEO Tad Brown. The couple has three children together, including a daughter born in 2022 and a child born in 2025. Stidham and his family reside in the Denver area during the football season.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a unique chapter in Stidham’s career. After signing a two-year, $12 million extension with the Broncos in March, he spent most of the season as the backup to Bo Nix. His only on-field appearance during the regular season came via a kneel down to run out the clock in a Week 8 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite limited playing time, Stidham remained prepared and ready when called upon.
When Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, Stidham was thrust into the starting role for the AFC Championship Game. Facing his former team, the New England Patriots, Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while also losing a fumble that led to the Patriots’ only score. Despite the 10-7 loss that ended the Broncos’ playoff run, Stidham’s performance demonstrated his readiness when called upon and his ability to lead a team in a high-pressure situation.
Throughout the 2025 season, Stidham served as a mentor and resource for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Head coach Sean Payton praised Stidham’s professionalism and preparation throughout the year. His performance in the AFC Championship Game, while resulting in a loss, showcased his toughness and competitiveness. Stidham’s future with the Broncos appears secure as he continues to serve in a backup role while remaining ready to step in when needed.