Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jimmy Garoppolo

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jimmy Garoppolo made an impact.

James Richard "Jimmy G" Garoppolo is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He excelled at Eastern Illinois University, setting school records and winning the Walter Payton Award. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2014, he served as Tom Brady's backup for four seasons, winning two Super Bowls. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Played for Eastern Illinois Panthers

In 2010, Jimmy Garoppolo began playing football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

2011: Continued Playing for Eastern Illinois Panthers

In 2011, Jimmy Garoppolo continued playing for the Eastern Illinois Panthers, passing for 2,644 yards and 20 touchdowns.

2012: Continued Playing for Eastern Illinois Panthers

In 2012, Jimmy Garoppolo continued playing for the Eastern Illinois Panthers, passing for 3,823 yards and 31 touchdowns.

2013: Final Season at Eastern Illinois

2013 was Jimmy Garoppolo's final season playing football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

June 2, 2014: Signed Contract with Patriots

On June 2, 2014, Jimmy Garoppolo signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots.

2014: Regular Season Debut

In 2014, Jimmy Garoppolo made his regular season debut in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing his first career touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski.

2014: Considered Top Quarterback Prospect

In 2014, Jimmy Garoppolo was considered one of the better quarterback prospects for the NFL draft.

2014: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 2014, Jimmy Garoppolo was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL draft.

2015: Appeared in Five Games

In 2015, Jimmy Garoppolo appeared in five games in relief roles for the Patriots.

2016: Named Starting Quarterback

In 2016, Jimmy Garoppolo was named the starting quarterback for the first game of the season due to Tom Brady's suspension.

October 31, 2017: Traded to the 49ers

On October 31, 2017, Jimmy Garoppolo was traded from the Patriots to the San Francisco 49ers.

November 28, 2017: Named 49ers Starter

On November 28, 2017, Jimmy Garoppolo was named the starting quarterback for the 49ers' Week 13 game against the Bears.

December 3, 2017: First Start for the 49ers

On December 3, 2017, Jimmy Garoppolo made his first start for the 49ers, finishing with 293 passing yards and one interception in a 15-14 victory against the Bears.

2017: Traded to the San Francisco 49ers

Near the end of the 2017 season, Jimmy Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

February 8, 2018: Signed 5-Year Contract with 49ers

On February 8, 2018, Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers agreed to terms on a 5-year contract, which at the time was the largest in NFL history on an annual basis.

2018: Draft Pick Compensation

In the 2018 NFL draft, the Patriots received a second-round pick from the 49ers as part of the trade for Jimmy Garoppolo.

2019: Successful Season with 49ers

In 2019, Jimmy Garoppolo had a successful season, finishing with 3,978 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the 49ers to the NFC West title and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. He was also the runner-up for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2019: Led 49ers to Super Bowl LIV

In 2019, Jimmy Garoppolo led the 49ers to the top conference seed and an appearance in Super Bowl LIV.

2021: Started Season as 49ers Quarterback

In 2021, Jimmy Garoppolo began the season as the starting quarterback for the 49ers, playing in 15 games and throwing for 3,810 yards and 20 touchdowns.

2021: NFC Championship Game Appearance

In 2021, Jimmy Garoppolo helped lead the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game appearance.

2022: Backup Quarterback

In 2022, Jimmy Garoppolo began the season as a backup quarterback for the 49ers after Trey Lance was named the starter. He later returned to the starting role after an injury to Lance and agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the team.

March 17, 2023: Signed with the Las Vegas Raiders

On March 17, 2023, Jimmy Garoppolo signed a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with head coach Josh McDaniels.

October 31, 2023: Benched by Raiders

On October 31, 2023, Jimmy Garoppolo was benched by the Las Vegas Raiders in favor of Aidan O'Connell, following a 3-5 start and leading the NFL in interceptions.