Christmas Day Quarterback Surprises: Meet the Unlikely Heroes

Christmas Day in the NFL is usually a big deal, with top teams and star quarterbacks stealing the show. But this year, things are quite different. Out of the six teams playing, only one is still in the running for the playoffs. The others? Well, they're just hanging on. Injuries have really shaken things up. Some big-name quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and J. J. McCarthy won't be playing. And it gets even more interesting because their backups are also out of the game. So, who's stepping up? A mix of familiar faces and some you might not know at all. Take Chris Oladokun, for example. He's filling in for the Kansas City Chiefs after two other quarterbacks got hurt. He's a 28-year-old who's been bouncing around practice squads. Before Sunday, he'd only thrown one pass in the NFL. Now, he's starting against the Denver Broncos, who are fighting for the top spot in their division.Then there's Josh Johnson. At 39, he's the ultimate journeyman, having played for a record 14 teams. He's been a backup most of his career, but now he's getting his chance with the Washington Commanders. He's not exactly a winning machine, with only one win in nine starts, but he's got experience. And let's not forget Max Brosmer, a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings. He's already started one game this season, but it didn't go well—four interceptions in a loss. Still, he's young and has potential. He had a great college career, earning All-American honors. So, while some fans might be disappointed that their favorite stars aren't playing, this could be a chance to see some new talent shine. It's a reminder that in sports, anything can happen, and sometimes the underdogs get their moment.