We know that the Denver Broncos starting quarterback is Russell Wilson. While that spot is spoken for, there seems to be an interesting quarterback battle brewing behind Wilson in Denver as journeyman Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci battle it out to be the No. 2.
While it looks as if Stidham will get the first crack under center against the Arizona Cardinals tonight, let’s not bypass the intrigue and opportunity the former XFL star DiNucci has in front of him tonight.
Ben DiNucci’s Path to the NFL Was a Windy One
DiNucci started his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he backed up Nathan Peterman for a time before being named a starter seven games into his sophomore season.
However, he ultimately lost his job in Pittsburgh for good to eventual first-round Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick Kenny Pickett. Following losing his job, DiNucci decided to test his luck elsewhere and transferred to FCS James Madison, looking for a fresh start.
At James Madison, DiNucci started all 29 games, where he earned All-CAA honors and won CAA Offensive Player of the Year. In his senior season, DiNucci led JMU to the FCS Championship, though they lost to North Dakota State University.
After the two stops in college came and went, DiNucci would eventually be drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
DiNucci made one NFL start with the Cowboys in a prime-time atmosphere against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. He went 21 of 40 for 180 yards in a Cowboys loss. Dallas eventually cut DiNucci following training camp of the next year.
Looking for an NFL opportunity that wasn’t currently available, DiNucci decided to take his talents to Seattle to join the Sea Dragons of the rebranded XFL league with hopes of playing well and garnering more interest from the NFL.
He started 10 games and guided the team to a playoff berth with a 7-3 record and played well enough to earn a second NFL chance with the Broncos.
Ex-Dallas Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci out here playing swole ball! 😤💪🏿 Told the Battlehawks hold that L, that’s game! #DallasCowboys
(🎥: @ESPNNFL) pic.twitter.com/5oR1eFnFMc
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) April 16, 2023
DiNucci’s Second Chance Is His Best Chance
Fresh off of an entire XFL season, DiNucci is hoping to embark on his second professional football season in one calendar year. The route DiNucci took to get here is most definitely scenic, and if he is able to play well tonight and continue that throughout the preseason, he may be able to find himself a new home in Denver.