Jarrett Stidham Feels Locker Room Support Ahead of Surprise AFC Championship Start: “That’s All I Care About”

Jarrett Stidham‘s story is unique. He has made just seven appearances in three years for the Denver Broncos. Backup quarterbacks usually don’t see much action, but not many get to start in the AFC Championship game as well.

That’s right, Stidham is set to replace Bo Nix as the Broncos’ starter when they face the New England Patriots in the 2025 conference title game on January 25. It’s a risky move for sure, but Denver didn’t have much of a choice after Nix fractured his ankle in the divisional round.

Stidham remains unfazed by the spotlight and what’s at stake. He’s ready to attempt a pass for the first time in two years because he has the support of the locker room.

It means a lot, any time you step into a situation like this, I just want to go out there and play the absolute best I can for the guys in this locker room. That’s all I care about.

Jarrett Stidham said (H/T: NBC Sports)

Nix reportedly hurt himself while taking a knee. The doctors told head coach Sean Payton the news, and he quickly relayed it to the rest of the world. Naturally, it had a devastating effect on Broncos fans who were finally savoring a deep playoff run after a decade of languishing in purgatory.

Nix wrapped up his second year with 3,931 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Now, it’s up to Stidham to steer the Denver ship toward San Francisco.

Jarrett Stidham has the full support of his Broncos teammates

Stidham won’t be alone in his quest to defeat the second-seeded Patriots at Mile High. His teammates have his back. Sure, they haven’t shared many snaps in an NFL-sanctioned game, but Stidham has been in Payton’s system since 2023, so there’s already a certain level of trust between them.

WR1 Courtland Sutton routinely receives passes from the 29-year-old during training. That makes Sutton the perfect player to give a fair assessment of Stidham’s prowess as a quarterback.

If there is a guy that prepares as well as Bo [Nix], it’s him [Jarrett Stidham]. He goes in and knows the entire playbook. He knows everything that needs to be done for us to go out there and have success.

Courtland Sutton told Zac Stevens of DNVR

“If there is a guy that prepares as well as Bo [Nix], it’s him. He goes in and knows the entire playbook. He knows everything that needs to be done for us to go out there and have success.”

— Courtland Sutton on Jarrett Stidhamhttps://t.co/ZFEIIq29E9

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 23, 2026

Offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey, who signed with the Broncos around the same time as Stidham, offered high praise for Denver’s QB2.

Jarrett Stidham’s done an “unbelievable job this week,” per Mike McGlinchey.

Added he’s ready and the team is ready. pic.twitter.com/zsDm8Yh8JO

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 23, 2026

Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram said Stidham’s passes have a lot of “zip.”

Jarrett Stidham’s passes have a lot of “Zip” and the are all a “Tight spiral” per Evan Engram pic.twitter.com/NtqEzLmfna

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 23, 2026

Stidham expressed his appreciation for all the support and kindness he’s received from his teammates.

It’s great to have the support of the guys around me, and thankfully, I’ve got a ton of amazing guys, amazing human beings in the locker room, but also amazing football players.

Stidham said

However, Stidham’s biggest supporter is his head coach. Payton trusts the former fourth-rounder enough to make him the starter without much fuss.

I’m not worried about it, Stiddy, in this game. I’m worried about everyone else and how we play. That’s the truth.

Payton nonchalantly declared

Sean Payton on Jarrett Stidham: “I’m not worried about it Stiddy in this game. I’m worried about everyone else and how we play. That’s the truth” pic.twitter.com/0uIPcEJxn1

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 23, 2026

Stidham took meaningful snaps in the final two games of the 2023 season. He stepped in for Russell Wilson after Payton benched the veteran due to a contract dispute. Stidham went 1-1, completed 40 passes for 496 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception.

Coincidentally, it was the Patriots that drafted Stidham, an Auburn graduate, 133rd overall in 2019. He was named as the backup to Tom Brady over experienced Brian Hoyer. The Patriots traded him, along with a seventh-round pick, to the Las Vegas Raiders, managed by his former OC, Josh McDaniels. He went winless in Vegas at 0-2, but torched the 49ers’ defense with three touchdowns and proved to be a real headache for the Chiefs.

Also Read:

• Sean McVay Turns 40, but Don’t Expect Him to Celebrate It
• Dan Orlovsky Feels Bringing Aaron Rodgers Back and Hiring Mike McCarthy Would Be Steelers’ “Worst Decision”