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Sports • American Football

Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo is an American professional football quarterback.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jimmy Garoppolo is an American professional football quarterback. He played college football at Eastern Illinois and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Garoppolo has also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Rams.

Early life and college career

Garoppolo was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and played college football at Eastern Illinois. There he set school records for career passing yards and passing touchdowns and won the Walter Payton Award as a senior.

NFL career

The New England Patriots selected Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent his early NFL years as a backup to Tom Brady, then later played for the 49ers, Raiders, and Rams.

Playing profile

Garoppolo is a quarterback known for his passing ability and has been listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. NFL and team listings describe him as an active quarterback during the 2020s.

Team history

Sources identify Garoppolo with multiple NFL teams over his career, including the Patriots, 49ers, Raiders, and Rams. Team and league pages should be used for current roster status because it can change during the season.

Key facts

  • Garoppolo won the Walter Payton Award as a senior at Eastern Illinois.
  • He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2014 and spent four seasons as Tom Brady's backup.
  • He was part of two Patriots Super Bowl-winning teams.
  • Garoppolo later became a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • As of 2025, he was listed as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jimmy Garoppolo?
Jimmy Garoppolo is an American NFL quarterback who played college football at Eastern Illinois and entered the league with the New England Patriots in 2014.
When was Jimmy Garoppolo born?
He was born on November 2, 1991.
Which college did Jimmy Garoppolo attend?
He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he set school passing records and won the Walter Payton Award.
Which NFL teams has he played for?
Sources list the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Rams.
How was he drafted?
Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, 62nd overall, by the New England Patriots.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Garoppolo
    Supports: Birth date, college career, Walter Payton Award, Patriots draft selection, and early Patriots tenure.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/16760/jimmy-garoppolo
    Supports: Birth date, physical measurements, college, draft information, and listed team/position.
  3. Los Angeles Rams — https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/jimmy-garoppolo/career
    Supports: Career statistics and Rams team page identification.
  4. NFL.com — https://www.nfl.com/players/jimmy-garoppolo/
    Supports: Official player identification and career profile.
  5. Spotrac — https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/14472/jimmy-garoppolo
    Supports: Contract and roster history, including Rams listing.
  6. NFL.com — https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/v1601485121/49ers/ylpbekqwzkbmbmohel9o.pdf
    Supports: Two-time Super Bowl champion statement with the Patriots.