Canadian-American QB Brett Rypien named Denver Broncos’ starter with Russell Wilson injured

Photo courtesy: AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

The Denver Broncos have named Canadian-American quarterback Brett Rypien their starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

The Broncos will be without franchise player Russell Wilson for at least a week due to a hamstring injury. Wilson has struggled in his first season in the Mile High City, completing 116-of-198 passes for 1,442 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the team to a 2-4 record.

Rypien — who will be making his second career NFL start — was born in Spokane, Wash. but his father is a native Calgarian, meaning he is eligible for dual citizenship via jus sanguinis in Canada. His uncle, Mark Rypien, quarterbacked the Washington Football Team to two Super Bowl titles and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXVI.

The 25-year-old signal-caller initially signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He dressed for one game in 2021 but has served as the team’s primary backup this season.

Rypien started one game for the Broncos in 2020, throwing for 242 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in a 37-28 victory over these same New York Jets. He has earned approximately $2 million so far in his NFL career.

The six-foot-two, 202-pound passer was a four-year starter at Boise State where he threw for 13,578 yards, 90 touchdowns and 29 interceptions while being named three-time first-team all-Mountain West Conference.

The Broncos (2-4) will host the Jets (4-2) at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday, October 23.