Kendall Hinton’s NFL debut probably wasn’t what he had in mind.
The practice squad receiver for the Broncos became week 12-starting quarterback – in the space 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 responded to his sudden announcement and game performance – many with encouraging words:
Crazy respect and props 4 @ Kendall_Hinton2… I don’t care about statistics or score, this young man did nothing but fight with the crappy hand he got! So have heart and courage – in the world of haters – he deserves more photos to take to the field and do what he does best! #TakeHimOnMyTeam
– Kurt Warner (@ kurt13warner) November 29, 2020
Kendall Hinton
👏👏
Nothing else needs to be said. Good for your husband …
– Dan Orlovsky (@ danorlovsky7) November 29, 2020
#Broncos WR Kendall Hinton found himself in an impossible situation today as he had to play QB after all 4 players in the position were ineligible due to CoVID protocols / not wearing masks. @ Kendall_Hinton2 hold your head, you stepped to the plate. It’s a story for your future grandchildren. https://t.co/imNYvLgMIp
– IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 30, 2020
Respect for Kendall Hinton ✊
Broncos WR was called up from the exhibition team with no reps in practice and started vs. the Saints.
Undesigned rookie gave it all @BuienRadarNL pic.twitter.com/saIjNcsc0z
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2020
Broncos QB Kendall Hinton deserves respect 👏 @ Kendall_Hinton2
✅ Undrafted WR
✅ Came from the practice team
✅ No exercise repetitions
✅ participated in his first NFL game pic.twitter.com/KJJvCRTKW1– ESPN (@espn) November 30, 2020
Kendall Hinton was a state championship QB in high school and played some QB in college. Against an NFL defense, he is 1/9 with 2 INTs.
Remember this the next time someone says on Twitter that they could accomplish something else in a pro sport than fall straight away.
– Zach Kram (@zachkram) November 29, 2020
Real talk, I hope Kendall Hinton doesn’t end up as a punch line after this game. He was really set to fail and it’s not his fault.
– MG (@MarcasG) November 29, 2020
Whatever happens, I have an insane respect for Kendall Hinton. This is not easy.
– Jeff Asher (@Crimealytics) November 29, 2020
In all my time in this job the two most difficult football situations I’ve ever seen:
–Hey Eric Studesville, you’re an interim coach to close the season for crap that was Broncos 2010.
–Kendall Hinton today. The man should be given 12 game balls to try to handle this.– Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) November 29, 2020
Kendall Hinton didn’t ask for this. But why not try to throw him a bot with some fencing and angles and play where he has to throw the ball 30 yards away, because you know he’s a practice squad receiver
– Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) November 29, 2020
KENDALL HINTON HAS NOT ASKED FOR ANY OF THIS
– Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 29, 2020