In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos have been officially eliminated from playoff contention after a rollercoaster season. However, amidst the disappointment, there was a glimmer of hope as Jarrett Stidham, a quarterback who has bounced around the league since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, finally got his opportunity to start for the team.

Stidham's chance came after Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson was unexpectedly benched, partly due to an apparent injury guaranteed in his contract. The decision to start Stidham raised eyebrows, but the young quarterback was determined to make the most of his opportunity.

On Sunday, Stidham took the field as the starter for Week 17, facing off against the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a crucial game for both teams, and Stidham knew he had to perform well to secure his place in the league. Although his performance was somewhat uneven, he did enough to help lead the Broncos to a 16-9 victory.

This win marked Stidham's first victory as a starter in his NFL career, a milestone that was not lost on his biggest supporter, his wife Kennedy. Kennedy, a former Baylor University soccer player, shared her excitement on social media, posting a photo of Stidham on the big screen at Empower Field with the caption, "Last home game, first start in the orange & blue, first career win!!"

Kennedy continued to celebrate her husband's achievement on her Instagram story, sharing a series of posts that showcased their joy and gratitude. One video captured a postgame toast with friends, while another photo showed Stidham and Kennedy walking out of the Broncos' home stadium hand in hand with their one-year-old daughter Lennon. The caption read, "Now time to celebrate."

The couple later enjoyed a private dinner with a group of friends, where Stidham raised a glass in celebration. Kennedy expressed her happiness over their shared success, writing, "Cheers to many things!!! but most of all this team fam."

Stidham's calm and collected demeanor during the game did not go unnoticed by first-year Broncos coach Sean Payton. Payton praised the quarterback for his ability to remain composed under pressure, highlighting his efficiency both in and out of the huddle.

Before his victory as a starter for the Broncos, Stidham's most recent triumph came during Auburn's blowout win over Purdue in the 2018 Music City Bowl. Now, with his first NFL win under his belt, Stidham looks ahead to the Broncos' final game of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders.

While the Broncos' playoff hopes may have been dashed, Stidham's performance has given fans a glimmer of hope for the future. As the young quarterback continues to develop and gain experience, there is optimism that he could become a key player for the team in the seasons to come.