For fans of the Denver Broncos, lately it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. The team had a thrilling 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, sending them to the AFC Championship Game, but the celebration temporarily took a downward turn quick.
Moments after the win, Broncos head coach Sean Payton walked up to the podium for his postgame press conference and revealed that QB Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle during their game, sidelining him for the rest of the season. The injury not only dashed hopes for a strong finish but also thrust backup QB Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight.
Trying to brush aside the chaos, however, a beacon of humor emerged from an unexpected source: former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. The former Philadelphia Eagles QB took to X (Twitter) to offer some words of encouragement. In his tweet, he acknowledged the tough situation, while dropping a hysterical truth to motivate the Broncos:
“Note for the Broncos and their fans: I know it has been an emotional 24 hours. I feel for Bo and the team, and I’m sending prayers for a strong recovery. A positive note going into the game versus the Patriots is that they struggle against QBs in championship-type games.”
Ouch. Meteoric ouch!
It all stems from Foles’ own history of taking down the Patriots, when he stepped in as the backup QB for the Philadelphia Eagles late in the 2017 season after Carson Wentz’s injury and led the team to a stunning Super Bowl LII victory over Tom Brady and the dominant New England Patriots.
Foles’ performance, including the famous “Philly Special” trick play, cemented his place in NFL folklore.
As the tweet spread like wildfire, it sparked a wave of reactions from fans, analysts, and even fellow players. Some hailed it as the perfect morale boost, while others joined in the banter. With the Broncos gearing up for a crucial game, Foles’ message not only provided comic relief but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football.
Jarrett Stidham Starting AFC Championship Game vs Patriots
Nix’s injury came at a pivotal moment for the Broncos, who are looking to go to their ninth Super Bowl. The second-year QB had shown promise throughout the season, but his broken ankle will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Enter Jarrett Stidham, the veteran backup who’s no stranger to stepping in under pressure. Stidham, with his experience from stints with the Patriots, Raiders and now the Broncos, can channel his inner Foles.
Stidham hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game since the 2023 season, as he went 40-for-66 while passing for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception over three games. Over the course of Stidham’s career, he has gone 117-for-197 with 1,422 yards, in addition to eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. Stidham has never appeared in a postseason game, though.
The Legacy of Nick Foles
Beyond the tweet, Foles’ career is a testament the actual job of a backup QB – to be ready when called upon. From his improbable Super Bowl run to his journeyman stints with teams like the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts, he’s always embraced the underdog role.
Now retired and co-hosting podcasts like “No Days Off” and “The SZN Podcast,” Foles uses his platform to inspire and entertain.
This latest tweet shows how athletes, now retired, can still connect with fans through social media. And not only that, but it also probably put a smile on Stidham’s face and gave him an extra pep in his step heading into the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.
By blending empathy with self-deprecating humor, Foles reminds us that football is as much about the stories and personalities as the plays.
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