There was a time when Jimmy Garoppolo was the next big thing in the NFL. Today, the quarterback is little more than a laughingstock for fans. Reports from the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp sparked relentless mockery from haters of the 10-year veteran.
Garoppolo came to the NFL 10 years ago, picked in the second round by the New England Patriots. The young quarterback showed unexpected talent in the few opportunities he had. However, with Tom Brady at the top of his game, the Pats had no use for him and sent him to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick in 2017.
Garoppolo didn’t do a bad job with the Niners. He finished with a 38-17 record in six years with the team. He left San Francisco in 2022 after being named Trey Lance’s backup. In 2023, he joined the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $67.5 million contract, but his season was a disaster, and head coach Josh McDaniels ended up benching him.
The Garoppolo debacle
The Eastern Illinois product, who was once considered Brady’s heir with the Pats, had to settle for a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Rams. Although he comes in as Stafford’s backup, reports from one of his workouts left fans with a bad taste in their mouths.
According to reporter Eric Lambkins, Garoppolo’s performance was abysmal during one recent practice. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lambkins reported that Garoppolo overthrew receiver Tyler Johnson in the end zone three times.
Not content with that, the former Patriot closed the practice with an interception. This brought back memories for fans of the disastrous 2023 season when Garoppolo led the NFL in interceptions in just eight games he played before being replaced by Aidan O’Connell.
Fans’ jeers
Niners fans were the first to beat the dead horse. “As a 49ers fan. Now you guys could see what we felt in practice and games,” said one Twitter user. “Same ole Jimmy. I’m so glad he’s not our problem anymore. He’s the one 49ers jersey I never bought,” said another.
Many more assured that it is the most that can be expected from Garoppolo. “Jimmy G in prime form,” said one, “Just a shocking development,” mocked another, and a third ironized, “Nice to see Jimmy G in mid season form.”
A few still tried to defend the player. “It’s a darn practice people and its Tyler Johnson? Relax it means nothing. Coaches and players try different things to eliminate or keep in practice. Judge only by real actual game play when it counts. Nothing else matters,” another netizen noted.
Training camps are just beginning, and although Garoppolo’s recent history doesn’t give fans any confidence, only time will tell if he will make the most of this opportunity or end up sinking into oblivion.
