Who Is the Broncos QB2, Nephew of Super Bowl MVP, Replacing Russell Wilson During Jets Matchup?

Oct 23, 2022 | 1:00 PM EDT

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The Denver Broncos are without their starting QB Russell Wilson for the game against the New York Jets. Wilson has hurt his hamstring and will miss the game week seven matchup. This naturally becomes an opportunity for Brett Rypien, the backup QB, to leave his mark on the game.

But who exactly is Rypien and how good has he been wherever he has played?

Who is Brett Rypien?

Brett Rypien is a fourth-year quarterback who plays for the Broncos. The Broncos picked him up from the college free agency back in 2019. In his three full seasons in the NFL, the Boise State alumni has started just one game. He has made four appearances in the NFL to date.

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Born on July 9, 1996, Rypien is the nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP quarterback Mark Rypien. He spent his first two years in the NFL on the Broncos practice squad. The young QB got his first and only start in the NFL in 2020 against the Jets. He did not impress much, throwing three interceptions in the game. The QB completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts and threw two touchdowns. The Broncos won that game 37-28.

In the four games Rypien has played, he has completed 27 of his 42 pass attempts. He has two touchdown passes to his name but has also thrown four interceptions. He will want to emulate his collegiate career when he gets a chance in the NFL.

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Rypien’s college career

Brett Rypien represented the Boise State Broncos during his college time. He made his debut for the college team in 2015 against the Idaho State Bengals. He entered the game in the second half after an injury to the starting QB and never looked back. Rypien led his team to score in all four possessions. The Broncos scored three touchdowns and one field goal in that match.

Rypien started 49-of-50 games played at Boise State and led the Broncos to a 37-12 record as their starting quarterback during his collegiate career. During his time in college, Rypien was named MWC Offensive Player of the Year. The Boise State QB also earned a total of three selections to the All-Mountain West First Team after completing his senior season.

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He finished as the all-time leader in passing yards with 13,581yards. He also led the completions chart in the Mountain West Conference with 1,036 pass completions and 300-yard passing performances (21). Rypien ranks second all-time at Boise State in passing yards (13,581), passing touchdowns (90), completions (1,036), and attempts (1,618).

Watch this story: Long time NFL journalist rips the Broncos’ offense and Russell Wilson for loss against the Colts.