Jimmy Garoppolo began his football journey at Eastern Illinois University, where he established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in FCS history. During his collegiate career, he set numerous school records and won the Walter Payton Award in 2013 as the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. His impressive college performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Garoppolo spent his first three and a half seasons with the New England Patriots, serving as Tom Brady's backup. During this period, he gained valuable experience learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His most notable stretch came at the beginning of the 2016 season when he started the first two games while Brady served a suspension, leading the Patriots to victories in both contests before suffering an injury.
In October 2017, Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he quickly established himself as the franchise quarterback. He led the 49ers to five consecutive victories to close out the 2017 season, earning a lucrative five-year contract extension. His most successful season came in 2019 when he guided the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV, where they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his time with the 49ers, Garoppolo compiled a 38-17 record as a starter, demonstrating his ability to win games despite battling various injuries throughout his tenure.
Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2023. However, his tenure with the Raiders was short-lived and marked by controversy. In February 2024, he was released by the team after being suspended for two games due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Following his release from the Raiders, Garoppolo found a new home with the Los Angeles Rams, signing consecutive one-year contracts in 2024 and 2025. During the 2024 season, he appeared in one game—a Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks—where he completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Currently, Garoppolo serves as the backup quarterback behind starter Matthew Stafford, providing valuable depth and experience to the Rams' quarterback room. His willingness to accept a backup role while maintaining his professionalism has been noted as a positive influence in the locker room.
Throughout his career, Garoppolo has been known for his quick release, accuracy, and ability to operate efficiently in play-action systems. While injuries have limited his availability at times, he has demonstrated the capability to lead teams to success when healthy. His journey from backup quarterback to Super Bowl starter and back to a supporting role showcases the unpredictable nature of NFL careers and the importance of adaptability in professional football.
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