History of Jimmy Garoppolo in Timeline

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

November 2, 1991: James Garoppolo Born

On November 2, 1991, James Garoppolo, later nicknamed "Jimmy G", was born. He would become an American professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Drew Bledsoe Drafted

In 1993, Drew Bledsoe was picked first overall, the highest-drafted quarterback the Patriots had selected until Garoppolo was drafted in 2014.

2004: Compared to Ben Roethlisberger

In 2004, Ben Roethlisberger accomplished a similar feat, making Garoppolo the first quarterback to have a 7-0 record in his first seven starts (including his two starts for New England) since Roethlisberger.

2010: Started Playing for Eastern Illinois Panthers

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

2011: Passed for 2,644 yards and 20 touchdowns

In 2011, Garoppolo passed for 2,644 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

2012: Passed for 3,823 yards and 31 touchdowns

In 2012, Garoppolo passed for 3,823 yards and 31 touchdowns for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

2013: Broke School Record

In 2013, Garoppolo broke the school record for career pass completions, previously held by Tony Romo.

2013: Won Walter Payton Award

In 2013, Garoppolo won the Walter Payton Award and was named OVC Male Athlete of the Year and College Football Performance FCS National Quarterback of the Year.

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: Considered Top Quarterback Prospect

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

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.

2015: Appeared in Five Games

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

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.

April 30, 2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

On April 30, 2018, Garoppolo was voted as the 90th best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

2018: Missed Most of the Season Due to Injury

In 2018, Garoppolo missed most of the season due to injuries.

2018: 49ers Second-Round Pick

In 2018, the Patriots received the 49ers' second-round pick as part of the trade for Garoppolo.

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.

November 5, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On November 5, 2020, Garoppolo was placed on injured reserve due to a re-aggravated ankle sprain.

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.

2020: Missed Most of the Season Due to Injury

In 2020, Garoppolo missed most of the season due to injuries.

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.

December 6, 2022: Reported Foot Injury Update

On December 6, 2022, it was reported by ESPN that Garoppolo did not suffer a Lisfranc foot injury, and had a return timetable of 7–8 weeks, though he ultimately did not return for the rest of the season.

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.