While disappointment engulfed Patriots fans at Empower Field, the message from quarterback Jarrett Stidham’s wife stands out. The Denver Broncos suffered a crushing 10-7 AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots. But Kennedy Stidham chose to focus less on the defeat and more on love, gratitude, and support for the team and the city.

“We love this team, we love this city,” Kennedy Stidham wrote on her Instagram story. “Thank yall for the kindest support all week, this city is so special, this team is so special, we wanted this so badly for everyone.”

On Sunday, Jarrett Stidham’s wife took to social media and re-shared the Broncos’ after-game post. After making her feelings clear, she took a moment to thank God. And let us tell you, Kennedy has been showing up for the Broncos all season, way before they assigned the starting role to her husband. 

However, it was extra special this time as Jarrett stepped onto the field to play the biggest game of his career so far. To celebrate the milestone, Kennedy shared a picture with him and their three children just before the game. And her three-word message summed up her emotions. 

“We love you,” she wrote. 

Meanwhile, Jarrett’s opportunity to suit up for the championship contest comes after Denver lost their QB1, Bo Ni,x to a season-ending ankle injury. It unfolded during the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills, putting the team in a tough spot. Speaking about the injury earlier in the week, Jarrett admitted the situation was heartbreaking.

“It’s crushing because he’s one of my best friends,” Jarrett said on January 21, per USA Today’s Brandon Walker. “…I see Bo more than I see my kids. So, it’s just one of those things. You spend so much time with someone, you see how hard they work, how good of a teammate they are and then that happens and you feel crushed for him and everything. Obviously, my prayers and stuff have been with him.”

Jarrett Stidham suited up for the biggest moment of his career, but the night didn’t go his way.

Jarrett Stidham faces backlash for a game-defining mistake

The Broncos started on a firm note against Mike Vrabel’s team, holding a 7-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. But with nearly six minutes left before halftime, Denver recorded a play that ended in a costly fumble. The Patriots gained momentum and eventually walked away with the win, while Jarrett Stidham found himself facing the heat. This turning point came early, but hit the hardest. 

As New England’s linebacker Christian Elliss pressured the QB, he tried to release the ball to avoid a sack. However, that move backfired when the pass slipped backward, allowing linebacker Elijah Ponder to pick it up. Next, he marched toward the end zone before the officials stopped the play and initially ruled it as intentional grounding. But after a brief discussion, they overturned the call when it was determined the ball was not thrown forward.

The result? New England gained possession deep inside the Broncos’ territory, and they made the most of the opportunity. Starting at the opponent’s 12-yard line, the Patriots’ QB Drake Maye finished the drive with a six-yard run, tying the score 7-7 just before halftime. While the Broncos did make other slip-ups on Sunday, this single sequence gave the game away. 

Later on, Stidham tried to make a late-game comeback with a deep pass that ended in an interception. And just like that, Denver lost its last chance to tie the score before the final whistle. Stidham finished the game with 133 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The Patriots also sacked him three times, adding to the growing chatter about his performance. After the game, head coach Sean Payton addressed Stidham’s fumble but refrained from blasting him.

“That was a big play,” Payton said. “I thought he fought hard. Tough conditions.”

The game gave Jarrett Stidham a rare chance to define his career, but the mistakes ultimately turned the moment against him.