Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jimmy Garoppolo

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

James "Jimmy G" Garoppolo is a professional football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. He excelled in college football at Eastern Illinois University, breaking school records in passing yards and touchdowns, and won the Walter Payton Award. Drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, he served as Tom Brady's backup for four seasons. During his time with the Patriots, he was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams, gaining valuable experience before moving on to become a starting quarterback elsewhere.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Started Playing for Eastern Illinois Panthers

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

June 2, 2014: Signed Four-Year Contract with Patriots

On June 2, 2014, Garoppolo signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots for $3,483,898, including an $853,744 signing bonus.

2014: Regular Season Debut and First Touchdown

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

2014: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 2014, Garoppolo was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL draft. He spent his first four seasons as Tom Brady's backup and was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams.

2016: Named Starting Quarterback Due to Brady's Suspension

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

October 31, 2017: Traded to 49ers

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

November 28, 2017: Named Starter for 49ers

On November 28, 2017, Garoppolo was named the starter for the 49ers' Week 13 game against the Chicago Bears.

December 3, 2017: First Start for 49ers

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

2017: Traded to the San Francisco 49ers

Near the end of the 2017 season, Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He helped the team win their remaining five games.

February 8, 2018: Agreed to Contract with 49ers

On February 8, 2018, Garoppolo agreed to terms on a 5-year contract with the 49ers worth a maximum of $137.5 million, the largest in NFL history at the time on an annual basis.

2019: Led 49ers to Super Bowl LIV Appearance

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

2019: 2019 Season Performance

In the 2019 season, Garoppolo threw for 3,978 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He was the runner-up for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2020: 2020 Playoff Performance

During the 2020 playoffs, Garoppolo had 131 passing yards against the Vikings and completed 6 of 7 passes against the Packers. During Super Bowl LIV against the Chiefs, he completed 20-of-31 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in the 31–20 loss.

2021: NFC Championship Game Appearance

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

2021: 2021 Season Performance

In the 2021 season, Garoppolo threw for 3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The 49ers finished the regular season with a 10–7 record.

2022: Agreed to One-Year Contract

In 2022, Garoppolo and the 49ers agreed to a one-year contract with a fully guaranteed base salary of $6.5 million, after Trey Lance was named the starter.