Brady's Successors Clash in AFC Championship Showdown
Brady's Successors Face Off in Championship Clash
The New England Patriots drafted Jarrett Stidham in 2019 as a potential long-term successor to Tom Brady. Years later, that decision has created an unexpected narrative: Stidham now faces Drake Maye and the Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship Game. While Maye emerged as the franchise's future after the Patriots moved on from Stidham, the quarterback has persevered through Las Vegas and Denver, finally earning his moment on the biggest stage.
From Backup to Starter
Stidham's journey reflects the unpredictability of NFL careers. With only four career starts before this championship game, he represents a rare underdog story. His time with the Raiders under Josh McDaniels proved he could perform when given opportunities, completing 53 of 83 passes for 656 yards with four touchdowns. Now, as the Broncos' starting quarterback, Stidham has the chance to prove doubters wrong against his former team.
A Full-Circle Moment
This matchup embodies football's unpredictable nature. The Patriots' decision to draft Maye instead of investing in Stidham ultimately shaped both quarterbacks' trajectories. Stidham approaches this game with gratitude rather than revenge, recognizing the opportunity before him and the coaches who believed in his potential throughout his career.
```About the People Mentioned
Tom Brady
Tom Brady is a retired American football quarterback widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history.[1] He played 23 professional seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots (2000–2019) and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022).[4] Brady won seven Super Bowl championships—six with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers—the most by any individual player in NFL history.[2] He holds multiple all-time NFL records including career pass completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214), and passing touchdowns (649).[1] Brady was a three-time Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player (2007, 2010, 2017) and a five-time Super Bowl MVP.[2] He was selected to 15 Pro Bowls and earned multiple All-Pro honors during his career.[3] After being a sixth-round pick (199th overall) in the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, Brady became the long-term starter for Bill Belichick’s Patriots and helped build a dynasty that included nine AFC championships and 17 division titles.[4] In 2020 he signed with the Buccaneers and led them to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team.[3] Brady announced his retirement from playing after the 2022 season, finishing with the most regular-season wins (251) and numerous postseason records including most playoff wins (35) and most Super Bowl appearances (10).[2][4] Since retiring, he has remained publicly active through business ventures, media appearances, and an announced role in sports media and entertainment projects (post-career activities reported in sports media coverage).[6] Brady’s legacy centers on his longevity, postseason success, statistical records, and influence on quarterback preparation and leadership in the modern NFL.[1][3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
New England Patriots
The **New England Patriots** are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the AFC East division. Founded in 1960 as the Boston Patriots, the organization has grown into one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, renowned for its competitive success and innovative team management. The Patriots’ business operations are led by chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group portfolio spans sports, entertainment, real estate, and venture investing, highlighting the organization’s strong business foundation beyond football[4]. Historically, the Patriots are celebrated for their six Super Bowl titles, a testament to sustained excellence particularly during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. However, recent years have been challenging; the team missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and experienced coaching instability with three different head coaches in as many years. In 2025, Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and successful Tennessee Titans coach, was hired as head coach to restore competitiveness and culture, bringing optimism for reversing the franchise's declining trend[3][8]. On-field, the Patriots began the 2025 season with a promising 4-2 record, their best start since 2019, and lead the AFC East division[2][3]. The roster has transformed significantly, with the 2025 team marking the first since 1992 without any players who contributed to the franchise’s Super Bowl wins, indicating a full rebuild[3][5]. The team’s defense employs a base 3-4 scheme, supported by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, while the offense aims to capitalize on innovative strategies under Vrabel’s guidance[2][5]. Off the field, the organization is investing $50 million into a new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium, expected to open in 2026, addressing longstanding concerns about outdated locker rooms, cramped weight rooms, and travel accommodations[1]. Player welfare improvements include enhanced famil
Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. **History and Achievements:** Founded on January 30, 1960, in Oakland, California, the Raiders were a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and joined the NFL in 1970. They have a storied past, including periods in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 before returning to Oakland until 2019. The team has won two Super Bowl championships: Super Bowl XI in 1976 and Super Bowl XV in 1980. They are known as the "Team of the Decades" for appearing in the Super Bowl in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s[1][2][6]. **Current Status:** In 2020, the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas, marking a new chapter. They have been recognized for their state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the best weight rooms and locker rooms in the NFL[5]. Recently, the team sold a 15% ownership stake to private equity investors, valuing the franchise at $3.5 billion[1]. **Notable Aspects:** The Raiders are known for their innovative approach to player support and facilities. Their training staff and amenities are highly regarded by players, contributing to their success on the field[5]. The team's presence in Las Vegas has been a significant economic boost for the area, attracting fans and creating new business opportunities. The Raiders' brand is also notable for its iconic black and silver colors and the "Raider Nation" fan base[1][6]. In summary, the Las Vegas Raiders are a dynamic organization with a rich history, strong brand identity, and a commitment to innovation and player
Denver Broncos
The **Denver Broncos** are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the Broncos joined the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970[1][3][7]. Initially struggling in their first decade, with no winning seasons until 1973, the Broncos transformed into a competitive franchise by the late 1970s. Their breakthrough came in 1977 when they reached their first Super Bowl (XII), propelled by the famed "Orange Crush" defense under coach Red Miller[1][2][4]. The arrival of legendary quarterback John Elway in 1983 marked a new era, leading the team to five Super Bowl appearances between 1986 and 1998, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 (XXXII) and 1998 (XXXIII)[1][2][3][4]. After Elway’s retirement, the Broncos remained competitive, notably signing future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning in 2012. Under Manning, Denver reached two Super Bowls, securing victory in Super Bowl 50 in 2016, their third championship[3][4][6]. The team is well-known for its strong fan base and home-field advantage at Empower Field at Mile High, a stadium renowned for its high altitude and passionate atmosphere[3][7]. Currently owned by the Walton-Penner group, the Broncos continue to innovate and compete under new leadership, including head coach Sean Payton who joined in 2023. Their valuation by Forbes in 2025 stands at $6.8 billion, making them the 13th most valuable NFL franchise[3]. The Broncos have a rich history of success, with eight AFC championships and three Super Bowl titles, and have contributed nine members to the Pro Football Hall o
