Early Life & Background

Jarrett Stidham was born and raised in Stephenville, Texas, a city located in the central part of the state known for its rich football tradition and tight-knit community. Growing up in a football-centric environment, Stidham was exposed to the sport at an early age, developing a natural affinity for the game. His upbringing in Texas, where high school football is a cultural cornerstone, played a significant role in shaping his athletic identity. The values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance were instilled in him from a young age, qualities that would later define his journey to the NFL.

Stidham’s family played a pivotal role in his development, providing unwavering support as he navigated the challenges of competitive football. His father, John Stidham, was a high school football coach, which meant the game was never far from Jarrett’s daily life. This firsthand exposure to coaching strategies and player development gave Jarrett a deeper understanding of the sport beyond just playing it. His mother, Diane Stidham, was also deeply involved in his athletic pursuits, ensuring he balanced academics and athletics with a structured approach.

From a young age, Stidham displayed the physical tools that would make him a standout quarterback. His height, listed at 6’3”, was an early advantage, allowing him to see over linemen and deliver passes with a clear line of sight. He had a natural ability to read defenses, a skill that would later become one of his defining traits. His arm strength, though not elite, was sufficient for the level of competition he faced in high school, and his accuracy improved as he gained experience. Stidham’s work ethic set him apart from his peers; he was known for arriving early to practice, staying late to refine his mechanics, and continuing to study film even when others had gone home.

The football culture in Texas is unparalleled, and Stidham benefited from competing against some of the best high school talent in the country. Stephenville, though not a major metropolitan area, has a strong football program that consistently produces college and NFL prospects. This environment forced Stidham to develop toughness and resilience, as Texas high school football is known for its physical, high-intensity style of play. His ability to perform under pressure in these conditions would later translate seamlessly to the NFL.

Beyond football, Stidham was a standout student in high school, maintaining a strong academic record. This balance of athletics and academics demonstrated his discipline and time-management skills, traits that would serve him well in his professional career. His coaches and teachers often noted his maturity and leadership, qualities that would later make him a respected figure in NFL locker rooms.

High School Career

Jarrett Stidham attended Stephenville High School, where he began his football journey as a multi-sport athlete before focusing primarily on football. Stephenville High, known as the Yellowjackets, has a storied football program with a tradition of producing talented quarterbacks. Stidham’s high school career unfolded during a period when the program was transitioning from older, established systems to newer, more dynamic offensive schemes, a shift that allowed him to showcase his versatility as a passer and playmaker.

As a freshman, Stidham quickly established himself as a player with high potential. His physical tools—height, arm strength, and mobility—made him a prized prospect even at that early stage. His high school coaches recognized his ability to process information quickly, a trait that would later become a hallmark of his game. By his sophomore year, he had earned the starting quarterback job, a position he would hold for the remainder of his high school career. His leadership was evident early on, as he guided Stephenville High to several winning seasons, including playoff appearances that showcased his ability to perform in clutch moments.

One of the standout performances of Stidham’s high school career came during his junior year, when he led the Yellowjackets to the Texas Class 5A playoffs. His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws under pressure drew the attention of college recruiters. In a key playoff game that season, Stidham completed over 60% of his passes for more than 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, demonstrating the poise and decision-making that would define his future. His completion percentage for the season was in the mid-60s, a testament to his accuracy, and he threw for over 2,500 yards with 24 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions.

As a senior, Stidham’s production continued to improve, and he was named to the All-State team, an honor reserved for the top high school players in Texas. His ability to read defenses and make pre-snap adjustments became more refined, showing an advanced understanding of the quarterback position. He also contributed as a runner, adding a dynamic element to the Yellowjackets’ offense. His leadership was instrumental in Stephenville High’s run to the regional finals, where they narrowly missed advancing to the state semifinals. For the season, he completed 65% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions.

Stidham’s high school highlights were widely circulated in recruiting circles, and his performances against top-tier Texas competition solidified his status as a four-star recruit. His high school statistics, combined with his intangibles—intelligence, work ethic, and leadership—made him one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects in Texas. By the end of his high school career, he had offers from several Power Five conference schools, though his final decision would come after careful consideration of his options.

His high school career also included participation in elite recruiting camps and combines, where he further showcased his skills against the best high school talent in the country. At the Nike Football Training Camp in Dallas, Stidham threw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, earning praise from scouts for his ability to throw with touch and accuracy. His performance at these events helped cement his reputation as a high-ceiling prospect with the potential to play at the highest levels of college football.

College Career

Jarrett Stidham’s college career began at Auburn University, where he enrolled in the summer of 2015. Auburn, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), was a high-profile destination for Stidham, as the program had a history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including Cam Newton and Nick Marshall. Stidham joined the Tigers as a highly touted freshman, redshirting his first season to preserve a year of eligibility and allow him to develop physically and mentally.

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Stidham earned the backup quarterback role behind starter Sean White. He saw limited action in the early part of the season but demonstrated the poise and composure expected of a top prospect. His first significant collegiate appearance came in the fourth quarter of a home game against LSU, where he led a late-game drive that ultimately fell short. Despite the loss, Stidham showed the ability to manage the offense and make plays in a high-pressure environment.

The following season, in 2017, Stidham entered the season as Auburn’s starting quarterback. His collegiate debut as the starter came against Georgia State, where he completed 10 of 15 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns in a 57-21 victory. Over the course of the season, Stidham established himself as one of the most efficient passers in the SEC, completing 61.7% of his passes for 2,733 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 3.6:1 was among the best in the conference, and his 8.1 yards per attempt ranked him near the top of the league.

One of Stidham’s most impressive performances of the 2017 season came in a nationally televised game against Georgia, a contest that would ultimately decide the SEC East champion. In a tightly contested matchup, Stidham completed 21 of 30 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown, leading Auburn to a 40-17 victory. His ability to execute Auburn’s offensive scheme, which emphasized play-action and deep shots, showcased his development as a pocket passer. The win over Georgia propelled Auburn to the SEC Championship Game, where they fell to Alabama.

Stidham’s junior season in 2018 was another productive year, though it was marked by inconsistency and a lack of postseason success. He completed 63.7% of his passes for 3,159 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. His passer rating of 141.9 was one of the highest in college football, and he added 45 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. However, the Tigers finished the season with a 7-5 record, missing out on a bowl game for the first time under head coach Gus Malzahn. Despite the team’s struggles, Stidham’s individual performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC Second Team.

One of the defining moments of Stidham’s college career came in a game against Mississippi State, where he threw for 355 yards and four touchdowns, including a 60-yard bomb to a streaking receiver. His ability to make tight-window throws and fit passes into coverage demonstrated his advanced passing skills. However, his college career also featured moments of inconsistency, particularly in big games against top competition. In a loss to LSU later that season, Stidham was held to just 168 yards passing and a 55.1% completion rate, highlighting the challenges of playing in the SEC.

By the end of his college career, Stidham had thrown for 8,646 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 62.7%. He also added 329 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. His tenure at Auburn was marked by both impressive statistical production and the highs and lows that come with playing in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. While he did not translate into the same level of success as some of Auburn’s other quarterback alumni, his college career demonstrated the tools and potential that made him a viable NFL prospect.

NFL Draft

Jarrett Stidham entered the 2019 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects, despite the inconsistencies that had marked his college career. His physical tools—size, arm talent, and mobility—made him an attractive target for teams looking to develop a young quarterback. Scouts praised his ability to process information quickly, his accuracy on intermediate throws, and his composure in the pocket. However, questions lingered about his deep-ball accuracy, ball placement, and consistency under pressure.

Stidham attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he performed well in the drills most relevant to his position. He measured in at 6’3” and 215 pounds, with a 77-inch wingspan, numbers that aligned with the prototypical size for an NFL starting quarterback. In the combine’s passing drills, Stidham threw with good velocity and touch, though his deep-ball accuracy drew mixed reviews. His 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds was solid for a player of his size, and his three-cone drill time of 6.79 seconds demonstrated his agility. He also posted a 10.2 broad jump and a 32-inch vertical leap, numbers that highlighted his explosiveness and lower-body strength.

At Auburn’s pro day later that spring, Stidham completed a series of throws that further showcased his arm talent. He impressed scouts with his ability to make throws on the move and his willingness to take risks downfield. His deep-ball drills drew particular attention, as he demonstrated the ability to drive the ball into tight windows with touch and placement. However, evaluators noted that his deep-ball accuracy was inconsistent, with some throws overthrown and others underthrown.

Stidham’s draft stock fluctuated throughout the pre-draft process, but he ultimately entered Day 2 of the draft as a borderline first-round talent with projections ranging from the late first round to the mid-second round. The New England Patriots, who had just drafted N’Keal Harry in the first round, were rumored to be interested in Stidham as a developmental project behind Tom Brady. The Patriots’ need for quarterback depth and their history of developing young signal-callers made them a natural fit for Stidham’s skill set.

In the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Jarrett Stidham with the 133rd overall pick. The selection was seen as a gamble by some analysts, given Stidham’s inconsistencies in college, but it reflected the Patriots’ belief in his potential to develop under their system. The Patriots’ drafting of Stidham also signaled their long-term intentions regarding Brady, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. By selecting a young quarterback, New England sent a clear message that it was preparing for a post-Brady era.

Stidham’s draft position placed him in a favorable situation. The Patriots had a veteran-laden roster with a strong offensive line, a dominant defense, and a coaching staff led by Bill Belichick, one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history. Stidham’s transition to the NFL would be gradual, as he would learn from Brady and the Patriots’ veteran quarterback room.

Professional Career

Jarrett Stidham’s professional career began with the New England Patriots, where he was drafted as a developmental quarterback in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots, at the time, were led by the legendary Tom Brady, and Stidham’s role was largely that of a project player learning the nuances of the NFL. Under the guidance of Bill Belichick and quarterback coach Josh McDaniels, Stidham spent his rookie season absorbing information, practicing against the scout team, and familiarizing himself with the Patriots’ offensive system.

Stidham’s first NFL appearance came in Week 14 of the 2019 season, when he took the field in a blowout loss to the Houston Texans. He completed 4 of 8 pass attempts for 32 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. Though his debut was brief, it provided him with valuable game experience. He did not see the field again that season, as Brady and the Patriots secured the AFC East title with a 12-4 record. Stidham’s rookie year was largely about development, and the Patriots’ decision to draft him in 2019 reflected their long-term planning for the eventual post-Brady era.

The 2020 season marked a turning point for Stidham, as Tom Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, leaving New England with an open competition for the starting quarterback job. Stidham entered training camp as the presumed starter, but he quickly found himself in a competitive battle with fellow 2020 draft pick Mac Jones, who had been selected in the first round. The Patriots’ coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, ultimately named Cam Newton the starter for the 2020 season, with Stidham serving as the primary backup.

Stidham did not see any regular-season action in 2020, as Newton and Brian Hoyer handled the quarterback duties while New England struggled to an 8-7 record. His lack of game experience became a growing concern, as he had played just three career snaps in the regular season entering the 2021 offseason. The Patriots’ decision to retain Stidham beyond 2020, however, indicated their belief in his potential, despite his limited production.

In 2021, Stidham’s opportunities remained limited. Newton’s struggles and injuries, combined with Hoyer’s inconsistent play, led to the Patriots drafting Bailey Zappe in the fourth round. Zappe outperformed Stidham in training camp and preseason, earning the backup role. Stidham saw no regular-season action in 2021, and by the end of the season, the Patriots’ quarterback room had shifted significantly. In March 2022, New England traded Stidham to the Las Vegas Raiders along with a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick.

Stidham’s arrival in Las Vegas presented him with a new opportunity to prove himself in an NFL offense. The Raiders, led by head coach Josh McDaniels, had high expectations for the 2022 season, boasting a talented roster that included Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller. Stidham entered training camp in a competition with Derek Carr for the starting job, a battle that ultimately saw Carr retain the position. Stidham saw minimal action throughout the season, completing just 8 of 16 pass attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. His relegation to the backup role raised questions about his future in the league.

The 2023 offseason brought another change for Stidham. In April, the Raiders waived him, making him a free agent. After a brief stint on the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs later that year, Stidham signed with the Cleveland Browns in June 2023. However, his tenure with the Browns was short-lived, as he was released in August before the start of the regular season.

Stidham’s NFL career up to this point had been defined by limited opportunity and inconsistency. He had not started a single game in the regular season, and his statistical contributions had been minimal. The Denver Broncos, however, saw potential in Stidham’s physical tools and quarterback traits, signing him to their practice squad in September 2023. His opportunity in Denver came when Russell Wilson suffered a midseason injury, thrusting Stidham into the starting lineup for the first time in his career.

Stidham made his first NFL start in Week 14 of the 2023 season against the Houston Texans. In a close game, he completed 21 of 35 passes for 264 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. His performance was a step forward, showcasing his ability to manage an offense and make plays in critical moments. The Broncos would go on to lose the game, but Stidham’s emergence signaled a potential turning point in his career.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jarrett Stidham’s playing style is defined by a blend of traditional pocket passing and the ability to extend plays with his legs. His physical profile—6’3” and 215 pounds—provides him with the prototypical size and strength for an NFL quarterback, allowing him to stand tall in the pocket and deliver throws from various arm angles. Stidham is not an elite athlete in the mold of a Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes, but his mobility and improvisational ability give him a functional advantage on designed rollouts and designed scrambles.

One of Stidham’s most notable strengths is his accuracy on intermediate throws. He excels at hitting receivers in stride on crossing routes, out routes, and slants, demonstrating the touch and timing necessary to fit passes into tight coverage. His 62.7% completion percentage in college suggests he has a solid