Jarrett Stidham's first half in the AFC Championship game had NFL legends talking. The Broncos quarterback connected on a stunning touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. Legends like Kurt Warner and Pat McAfee immediately took to social media to praise the play.

McAfee quoted former NFL Champion AQ Shipley, who called the play “Stidham’s Joe Montana.”

Considering Jarrett Stidham’s touchdown came after a 52-yard Hail Mary throw to bring them to the Patriots' endzone, it was indeed reminiscent of Joe Montana.

That’s why McAfee was joined by former quarterback Kurt Warner, praised Stidham in a cheeky message saying, “Ok, Stiddy… Sling It!” 

Warner further replied to a message saying he’s happy for the Broncos and the quarterback, as an injured Nix watches the game unfold from the stands. “I don’t think the right word is ‘happy’ - there is human emotion in it that would be a little disappointed it’s not you - but still overall happy for team & Stiddy!” 

For a player taking the field after 749 days, Stidham has not disappointed. He has a touchdown and over 100 passing yards. Compared to the Patriots QB Drake Maye's first half, he was miles ahead. And he’s getting some help from other NFL legends. 

When Stidham went for a rushing play, he dove right before reaching the 10-yard mark. That’s when former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe had some advice. “Dive 4 that 1st Stiddy,” he commended, followed by “That’s more like it, Stiddy.” 

After sitting out on the sidelines for two years thanks to Bo Nix's injury-free season, Stidham was called into action after the Broncos' QB1 battled an ankle injury. And when he answered the call, there was more on the line.

For Jarrett Stidham, it wasn't just about taking the Broncos to the Super Bowl. He was going up against his first NFL team. The Patriots had drafted him eight years ago.

Come gameday, Stidham held his nerve. And despite some hiccups, the 29-year-old was backed by Sean Payton, the Broncos’ head coach. 

Sean Payton’s Review of Stidham’s Performance

In his media interaction with Tracy Wolfson during the AFC finale, the Broncos’ head coach reaffirmed his faith in his quarterback’s abilities. 

Wolfson pointed out that after scoring a touchdown, Stidham appears to be crumbling under pressure. To which Payton replied, “We gotta do a good job adjusting here at halftime.”

“We had a good field position most of the first half. We’re getting a little bit more pressure, defensively, we’ve been outstanding,” Payton said. 

In the end, the game turned into a nightmare for both QBs because of the snow.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar