Jarrett Stidham

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Lore & Background

Stidham's journey began in Stephenville, Texas, where he was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. After committing to Texas Tech, he switched to Baylor, where his freshman year saw him start three games following injuries to Seth Russell. A chipped bone in his ankle ended his 2015 season, and amid a sexual abuse scandal at the school, he transferred on July 7, 2016. Following a semester at McLennan Community College, he arrived at Auburn as the starter for the 2017 season, leading the Tigers to an SEC West title but falling short of the conference championship as Georgia won the SEC title that year. He declared for the 2019 draft after winning MVP of the 2018 Music City Bowl with a 63–14 victory over Purdue.

In Their Own Story

Stidham's professional path was defined by adapting to changing roles. Drafted 133rd overall in 2019, he wore number 4 for the Patriots, becoming their first quarterback to do so since Adam Vinatieri in 2005. After Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 in Week 4 of 2020, Stidham saw his first significant action, throwing a touchdown but also two interceptions in a loss to Kansas City. In 2021, back surgery kept him on the reserve list until November, where he served as third-string without seeing the field. A trade to the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022 reunited him with coach Josh McDaniels. On December 28, 2022, he finally started a game, throwing for 365 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime loss to the 49ers.

Reader's Guide

With the Denver Broncos, Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2023. He started the final two games of that season after Russell Wilson was benched, securing his first career win against the Los Angeles Chargers with 224 passing yards and no turnovers. In 2024, he served as the primary backup to Bo Nix, appearing in three games without attempting a pass. His role shifted dramatically in 2025 after signing a two-year, $12 million extension. Following a season-ending ankle injury to Nix during the Divisional Round victory over the Bills, Stidham started the AFC Championship Game against his former team, the Patriots. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown but lost a fumble that led to the game's only score in a 10–7 loss.

Did You Know?

• Stidham was the first New England Patriots quarterback to wear jersey number 4 since Scott Zolak in 1998.
• He led Auburn to a 63–14 victory over Purdue in the 2018 Music City Bowl, earning MVP honors.
• In his first NFL start with the Raiders on January 1, 2023, he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers.