From backup to starter: the resilient journey of Jarrett Stidham
In short: Few players navigate the volatility of professional football like Jarrett Stidham. From serving as a third-stringer behind Cam Newton to leading the Auburn Tigers to a division title, his career is a study in perseverance through injuries, coaching changes, and sudden shifts in the depth chart.
Born in Kentucky in 1996, Stidlam's path to the NFL was anything but linear. After a standout high school career in Texas where he was a four-star recruit, he began his college journey at Baylor in 2015. His time there was marked by both rapid ascent and significant hardship; after stepping in for an injured Seth Russell, Stidham suffered a chipped bone in his ankle and a back injury, eventually transferring to Auburn in 2016 following a departmental scandal at Baylor.
At Auburn, Stidham found championship success, leading the Tigers to an SEC West Division Championship and earning MVP honors in the 2018 Music City Bowl. This performance propelled him into the 2019 NFL Draft, where the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round. His tenure in New England was defined by his role as a backup, often stepping in during high-pressure moments, such as relieving Tom Brady or playing during Cam Newton's absence due to COVID-19.
Stidham's career has been characterized by frequent transitions between teams and roles. After a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he earned his first professional start in late 2022, he moved to the Denver Broncos. His time in Denver has seen him move from a primary backup to a starter in the AFC Championship Game, stepping in after an injury to rookie Bo Nix. Despite the fluctuations in his playing time, Stidham has remained a consistent presence in professional rosters, recently securing a $12 million extension with the Broncos in 2025.
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