Kendall Hinton’s NFL debut was probably not what he had in mind.
The Broncos’ practice-squad-receiver-turned-Week-12-starting-quarterback — in the span of a day — finished with 1 of 9 passing for 13 yards and two inceptions in a 31-3 loss to the visiting Saints.
The sports world reacted to his sudden start announcement and game performance — many with encouraging words:
Mad respect & props 4 … I don’t care stats or score, this young man did nothing but battle w/ the crappy hand he was dealt! Have heart & courage like that – in the world of haters – he deserves more shots to get on field doing what he does best!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner)
Kendall Hinton
👏👏
Nothing else needs to be said. Good for you man…
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7)
Nothing but respect to Kendall Hinton. Clearly not going anywhere as a QB but that was an impossible ask. He has now played in the NFL and a sincere congrats to him.
— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus)
WR Kendall Hinton was put in an impossible situation today, having to play QB after all 4 players at the position were ineligible due to CoVID protocols/not wearing masks. hold your head, you stepped to the plate. It's a story for your future grand kids.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson)
Respect to Kendall Hinton ✊
Broncos WR got called up from the practice squad with no reps in practice and started vs. the Saints.
Undrafted rookie gave it his all
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport)
Well done 👏
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR)
Broncos QB Kendall Hinton deserves respect 👏
✅ Undrafted WR
✅ Came off the practice squad
✅ Zero practice reps
✅ Competed in his first NFL game— ESPN (@espn)
PLAYER OF THE GAME | Given no time to prepare and the unprecedented circumstances, quarterback (on Sunday) Kendall Hinton deserves all the credit in the world for stepping up under center
— Denver Sports (@DenverSportsCom)
Kendall Hinton was a state championship QB in high school and played some QB in college. Against an NFL defense, he's 1/9 with 2 INTs.
Remember this the next time somebody on Twitter says they could accomplish anything in a pro sport other than immediately fall down.
— Zach Kram (@zachkram)
Real talk, I hope Kendall Hinton doesn't end up as a punch line after this game. He was truly set up to fail and it's not his fault.
— Marcas Grant (@MarcasG)
No matter what happens I have mad respect for Kendall Hinton. This ain't easy.
— Jeff Asher (@Crimealytics)
In all my time in this job the two most difficult football situations I've ever seen anyone put into:
–Hey Eric Studesville, you're interim coach to finish out season for mess that was 2010 Broncos.
–Kendall Hinton today. Guy should get 12 game balls for trying to handle this.— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold)
Kendall Hinton didn’t ask for any of this. But why not try and throw him a bone with some screens and slants and not plays where he has to throw the ball 30 yards downfield since ya know, He’s a practice squad receiver
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN)
KENDALL HINTON DIDNT ASK FOR ANY OF THIS
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes)
