They say that the Backup QB is one of the most favorable positions in sports. Well, how about when you’re asked to jump in for a winner-take-all game for a shot at the Super Bowl? Sheesh. That’s the position we have for the Denver Broncos on Sunday! Jarrett Stidham, go be special!

Happy Friday! Two clickables today! If you can take an extra 5 seconds and click, that would be much appreciated!

In this little corner of the internet, the place we call The Stump… there are just a few absolutes. There’s GLUE, there’s GRIT, and there’s the fact that we are all sickos about sports.

We got a good one for you today.  Did you hear about the pickleball tournament upset where a 15 seed came out of nowhere and stunned a number 2 seed?  True story.  That happened.  As you know, we love the underdog story; we will save that one for another day.  For the past five days, my intrigue continues to grow about a guy who is getting a shot out of nowhere.  

Not one person in the sports world, including any of us here at SGS, mentioned his name once this entire season, but come this Sunday, he will play for a chance to take his team to the Super Bowl. Wow!  Jarrett Freakin Stidham.  It's amazing how many sports stories I have written where the person's middle name is Freakin!

Jarrett Stidham, backup Quarterback of the Broncos, who was originally drafted by none other than the Patriots, will now face them in the AFC Championship Game. Starting Quarterback of the Broncos, Bo Nix, suffered a season-ending injury on the second-to-last play of the game (Get well Bo! Congrats for winning a combined 25 games in your first 2 seasons, no one has ever done that before) last weekend in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs, bringing the spotlight on Stidham.

Stidham was drafted in 2019 and observed, spent time, and learned from none other than the GOAT himself for one year.  In 2021, he was traded to the Raiders, and in 2023, he was brought on by Sean Payton and the Broncos.  They extended his original 2-year contract by another 2 years in 2025.  Interesting to note, two teams tried to trade for him, but the Broncos (must have known something) declined.  Would you believe the last time he completed a pass in a regular-season game was over 2 years ago?  He has a career 1-3 record as a starter.  Whoa! “Breathe in. Breathe out,” Bronco Fans, it's gonna be ok(a little foreshadowing).  

The question is, in his 7th season and in only his 5th start, will he take his team to the Promised Land?  I can't wait to watch and find out.   As one wise man once said, “win, lose, no matter, Daniel San…..”  I can't remember the rest of it (which is probably the more important part).  Will Sean Payton (or the other Superman with his cape on… reference to last Friday’s story) be able to clap his hands together and rub them intensely enough and pass on the juju to Jarrett Stidham?  Yes,  Let’s Go!  Happy Friday!

Here is the link to the 2-minute clip from the scene mentioned above for some added juice: HERE

Oh, and for one million points, can you name the last backup QB to take their team to the Super Bowl? You know this one!

We do too! But we need the help of our dedicated readers and supporters. If you think of anyone you know that may love the newsletter just as much as you do, then shoot them the link. Remember, we’re free 😁!