Jimmy Garoppolo won two Super Bowl rings while playing behind Tom Brady, then became the starting quarterback who helped take the San Francisco 49ers to another Super Bowl. His career has included a record-setting contract, serious injuries and several changes of team. In 2026, the quarterback known as Jimmy G faced a different decision: whether to continue playing professional football. This Jimmy Garoppolo biography follows his journey from a high school athlete in Illinois to an NFL veteran with more than 15,000 passing yards.
Garoppolo first attracted national attention at Eastern Illinois University, where he broke passing records and won the Walter Payton Award in 2013. The New England Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, giving him the opportunity to learn behind Brady. After a 2017 trade to San Francisco, he quickly became the team’s starting quarterback. His most successful season came in 2019, when the 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs.
His later career was less straightforward. Injuries interrupted several seasons, and his brief spell with the Las Vegas Raiders ended after he lost the starting position. He spent 2024 and 2025 with the Los Angeles Rams before becoming a free agent in 2026. At 34, Garoppolo has not announced a permanent retirement and has indicated that he would consider playing again in the right circumstances. His private life also attracts attention, although he has never publicly confirmed a marriage or current partner.
Jimmy Garoppolo Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Richard Garoppolo |
| Popular name | Jimmy Garoppolo |
| Nickname | Jimmy G |
| Date of birth | November 2, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years old (October 2026) |
| Hometown | Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional American football quarterback |
| Father | Tony Garoppolo Sr. |
| Mother | Denise Garoppolo |
| Siblings | Three brothers |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (NFL listing) |
| Weight | 225 pounds (NFL listing) |
| High school | Rolling Meadows High School |
| College | Eastern Illinois University |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Draft | 2014, Round 2, Pick 62 |
| NFL teams | New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams |
| Super Bowl rings | Two, with New England |
| 2026 status | Unrestricted free agent |
| Wife | No publicly confirmed marriage |
| Children | No publicly confirmed children |
His official NFL player profile and Eastern Illinois University biography document his playing career, education and athletic achievements.
Where Is Jimmy Garoppolo in 2026?
As of October 14, 2026, Jimmy Garoppolo is an unrestricted NFL free agent. He is not currently listed on the Los Angeles Rams’ active roster.
He spent the previous two seasons in Los Angeles, serving primarily as a backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Following the 2025 season, his contract expired, and he did not immediately sign with another team.
In April 2026, Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Garoppolo was considering retirement from professional football.
McVay explained that the team had been communicating with Garoppolo and his representatives but was allowing him time to make his decision.
The situation changed in July 2026.
On July 22, NFL Network reported that Garoppolo had decided against retiring immediately and would consider returning to the league if a suitable opportunity became available.
However, the report did not identify an agreement with a new team.
His current free-agent status is reflected in his NFL profile, while the retirement developments were documented by the Rams in April and NFL.com in July 2026.
Being open to playing again does not guarantee that he will sign another contract. His next professional move remains unconfirmed.
Early Life and Family Background
Jimmy Garoppolo was born on November 2, 1991, and grew up in Arlington Heights, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
He is the third of four sons born to Tony Garoppolo Sr. and his wife, Denise.
His father worked as an electrician, while his mother worked in a natural foods store.
Garoppolo grew up in a close-knit family with strong Italian-American traditions. His father’s side of the family has Italian roots, while his mother’s ancestry includes Polish and German heritage.
His three brothers are Tony Jr., Mike and Billy Garoppolo.
Sports were an important part of their childhood. Their father helped coach his sons’ teams, and the brothers regularly participated in different athletic activities.
Garoppolo was interested in football, baseball and basketball. He has spoken about initially enjoying baseball before developing his career as a quarterback.
In a 2018 Sports Illustrated profile, his parents discussed the importance of sports, education and family support during his development.
Although he later earned millions through professional football, his early years were spent in a working family rather than an established professional sports household.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Education and High School Football Career
Garoppolo attended Rolling Meadows High School in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
He played quarterback and linebacker for the school’s football team, the Mustangs.
As a senior, he passed for 1,888 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also contributed 563 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
His performances helped Rolling Meadows compete for a conference championship and reach the Illinois Class 7A playoffs.
Garoppolo also played baseball, serving as a pitcher.
Although he showed promise, he was not among the country’s most heavily recruited high school quarterbacks.
He eventually accepted the opportunity to play college football at Eastern Illinois University.
His high school statistics are recorded in the university’s official athletic biography.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s College Career at Eastern Illinois
Garoppolo attended Eastern Illinois University from 2010 to 2013, where he played for the Panthers football team.
He studied management while developing into one of the most productive quarterbacks in the school’s history.
He became a starter during his freshman season and continued improving throughout his college career.
His best season came in 2013, when he played under head coach Dino Babers.
That year, Garoppolo completed 375 of 568 passes for 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
He helped Eastern Illinois finish with a 12–2 record and reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
Garoppolo also won the 2013 Walter Payton Award, presented to the most outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Another former Eastern Illinois quarterback, Tony Romo, had won the same award in 2002 before entering the NFL.
His College Football Statistics
| Season | Passing yards | Passing touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,639 | 14 | 13 |
| 2011 | 2,644 | 20 | 14 |
| 2012 | 3,823 | 31 | 15 |
| 2013 | 5,050 | 53 | 9 |
| College total | 13,156 | 118 | 51 |
The figures come from Eastern Illinois University’s published career records.
His final season and Walter Payton Award increased his visibility among NFL scouts, giving him a chance to enter the professional league.
When Was Jimmy Garoppolo Drafted into the NFL?
The New England Patriots selected Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, using the 62nd overall pick.
He became one of the highest-drafted players in Eastern Illinois football history.
At the time, New England was led by veteran quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.
Garoppolo entered the NFL as a backup, with limited opportunities to play regular-season games.
However, the arrangement gave him experience working within an established professional organisation.
He signed a four-year rookie contract before beginning his first NFL season.
Playing Behind Tom Brady at the New England Patriots
Garoppolo spent part of four NFL seasons with the Patriots, from 2014 until his trade during the 2017 season.
Because Tom Brady was New England’s established starting quarterback, Garoppolo played primarily in relief appearances.
His biggest early opportunity came in 2016, when Brady was suspended for the first four games of the regular season.
Garoppolo started the Patriots’ first two games against the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.
New England won both games.
However, Garoppolo suffered a shoulder injury during the Miami game and missed the following starts.
His short period as a starter demonstrated that he could lead an NFL offence, attracting attention from teams interested in a quarterback.
How Many Super Bowls Did Jimmy Garoppolo Win?
Jimmy Garoppolo has two Super Bowl championship rings, both earned with the New England Patriots.
He was part of the Patriots teams that won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks in February 2015 and Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in February 2017.
Tom Brady was New England’s starting quarterback in both championship games.
Garoppolo therefore won his rings as a member of the championship teams, not as the starting quarterback in those Super Bowls.
He later started a Super Bowl for San Francisco but did not win that game.
Why Did the Patriots Trade Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers?
In October 2017, the Patriots traded Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
New England still had Brady, while San Francisco needed a long-term starting quarterback.
The trade created an opportunity for Garoppolo to establish himself as a regular NFL starter.
San Francisco had struggled during the early part of the 2017 season.
After Garoppolo entered the starting lineup, the team won its final five games.
He passed for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns during his six appearances for the 49ers that season.
The performance convinced the team to make a substantial financial commitment to him.
In February 2018, the 49ers signed Garoppolo to a five-year contract worth $137.5 million.
At the time, it was the largest NFL contract based on average annual value.
The deal was confirmed in the NFL’s February 2018 announcement.
His 2018 Knee Injury and Return to Football
Garoppolo’s first full season as San Francisco’s established starter ended much earlier than expected.
During a September 2018 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The injury ended his season after just three games.
He underwent surgery and spent the following months completing rehabilitation.
Garoppolo returned for the 2019 season, when he remained healthy enough to start all sixteen regular-season games.
That comeback became one of the most important periods of his professional career.
Leading the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl LIV
In 2019, Garoppolo started every regular-season game for the 49ers.
He completed 329 of 476 passes for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
San Francisco finished the regular season with a 13–3 record and won the NFC West division.
Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the team’s offence combined an effective running game with Garoppolo’s passing.
The 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers in the playoffs to reach Super Bowl LIV.
On February 2, 2020, San Francisco faced the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The 49ers led 20–10 during the fourth quarter but were unable to maintain their advantage.
Kansas City scored 21 unanswered points and won 31–20.
Garoppolo finished the game with 219 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Although San Francisco lost, the season established him as a quarterback capable of leading a team through a conference championship.
His season statistics and Super Bowl appearance are documented in Pro Football Reference’s career records.
His Final Seasons with the San Francisco 49ers
Garoppolo remained with San Francisco through the 2022 season, although injuries repeatedly interrupted his availability.
The 2020 and 2021 Seasons
In 2020, ankle injuries limited Garoppolo to six games.
He returned in 2021 and started fifteen regular-season games.
That season, he threw for 3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
San Francisco reached the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Los Angeles Rams, who subsequently won Super Bowl LVI.
Despite his contribution, the 49ers had already selected quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The move created uncertainty about Garoppolo’s long-term future with the team.
His 2022 Foot Injury and Brock Purdy’s Emergence
Garoppolo began the 2022 season as San Francisco’s backup after Trey Lance was named the starter.
However, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in September, bringing Garoppolo back into the starting lineup.
Garoppolo helped the team win several games before suffering a fractured foot during a December 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
The injury ended his season.
Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy replaced him and helped San Francisco continue winning.
The 49ers’ official injury announcement confirmed the fracture and Garoppolo’s removal from the lineup.
His contract expired after the season, and he left San Francisco in free agency.
Why Did Jimmy Garoppolo Leave the Las Vegas Raiders?
In March 2023, Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The agreement reunited him with Josh McDaniels, who had worked with him as an offensive coordinator in New England.
However, his time in Las Vegas was brief.
Garoppolo appeared in seven games and started six. He completed 110 of 169 passes for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Raiders struggled offensively, and Garoppolo missed games because of injuries.
Following McDaniels’ dismissal in October 2023, interim head coach Antonio Pierce named rookie Aidan O’Connell the starting quarterback.
Garoppolo did not regain the starting role.
The Raiders released him in March 2024, ending his stay after one season.
The NFL’s report on his subsequent move to the Rams documents his Raiders statistics and the coaching change.
His Career with the Los Angeles Rams
Garoppolo signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in March 2024.
The team brought him in to provide experience behind starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.
He played only one regular-season game in 2024, starting the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks while Stafford rested.
Garoppolo completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Although the Rams lost, his performance demonstrated that he could still handle an NFL starting assignment.
The Rams re-signed him for the 2025 season.
He appeared in three regular-season games that year but did not attempt a pass, according to his recorded NFL statistics.
He became an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.
His 2024 performance and contribution as a backup were discussed by the Rams’ official website.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s NFL Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Garoppolo had appeared in 85 regular-season games, including 64 starts.
His cumulative statistics reflect his time with four NFL franchises.
| Career statistic | Total through 2025 |
|---|---|
| Games played | 85 |
| Games started | 64 |
| Starting record | 43 wins, 21 losses |
| Pass attempts | 1,936 |
| Pass completions | 1,304 |
| Completion percentage | 67.4% |
| Passing yards | 15,828 |
| Passing touchdowns | 96 |
| Interceptions | 52 |
| Career passer rating | 97.6 |
| Playoff starting record | 4 wins, 2 losses |
| Super Bowl championships | 2, as New England’s backup quarterback |
These figures are supported by Pro Football Reference and the NFL’s official career statistics.
His passing totals remained unchanged during the 2025 season because he did not attempt any passes that year.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Major Career Achievements
Garoppolo’s professional and college careers include several notable achievements.
- 2013 Walter Payton Award: Recognised as the outstanding offensive player in NCAA Division I FCS football.
- Two Super Bowl championships: Won Super Bowl XLIX and Super Bowl LI as a member of the New England Patriots.
- 2019 NFC championship: Helped the San Francisco 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV as their starting quarterback.
- 2021 NFC Championship Game: Returned to the conference title game with San Francisco.
- 2018 contract milestone: Signed a five-year, $137.5 million agreement that briefly set the NFL record for average annual salary.
His record as a starting quarterback also included 43 regular-season victories across his NFL career through 2025.
These achievements illustrate both his effectiveness when healthy and the injuries that prevented him from consistently remaining in the starting lineup.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Injury History
Injuries have been a recurring issue during Garoppolo’s NFL career.
His major setbacks included a shoulder injury in 2016, a torn knee ligament in 2018, ankle problems in 2020 and a fractured foot in 2022.
He also missed playing time with injuries during his season with the Raiders.
These interruptions affected his availability and created opportunities for other quarterbacks to enter the starting lineup.
However, his participation in later NFL seasons shows that he returned to professional football after those injuries.
There is no verified public basis for diagnosing a new injury or medical condition beyond what teams and dependable reporting have disclosed.
Why Was Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended in 2024?
In February 2024, the NFL announced that Garoppolo would receive a two-game suspension for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances.
According to ESPN’s reporting, the violation involved the use of a prescribed medication without a valid therapeutic use exemption from the league.
Garoppolo subsequently acknowledged that he had made a mistake involving the exemption process.
The suspension applied to the first two games of the 2024 season, after he had joined the Los Angeles Rams.
He became eligible to participate after serving the suspension.
The circumstances and his response are documented in ESPN’s March 2024 report.
The official violation should be distinguished from speculation about what medication was involved, since the reporting did not establish every underlying medical detail.
Who Is Jimmy Garoppolo’s Wife?
Jimmy Garoppolo has no publicly confirmed wife.
The quarterback has generally kept his romantic relationships away from regular media interviews.
Although some celebrity websites publish claims about his marriage or engagement, there is no dependable public confirmation that he has married.
He has attracted attention for his appearance and personal life, particularly during his years as San Francisco’s starting quarterback.
However, public appearances and online speculation are not sufficient evidence of a current relationship.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Dating History and Girlfriend
One of the people publicly linked to Garoppolo was Alexandra Rose King, a social media personality.
The two were photographed together during 2018, and King shared social media posts that prompted reporting about their relationship.
However, Garoppolo did not provide a detailed public account of the relationship or its conclusion.
He was also photographed during a public outing with Kiara Mia in 2018, which attracted celebrity media coverage.
Neither the outing nor subsequent rumours establish an ongoing romantic relationship.
A Sporting News report on his dating history notes that he has remained private about his relationships.
As of October 2026, there is no reliably confirmed current girlfriend or partner in the public reporting reviewed.
Does Jimmy Garoppolo Have Children?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jimmy Garoppolo has children.
His family interviews have generally focused on his parents, brothers and upbringing in Illinois.
Information published by unverified celebrity biography websites should not be treated as proof of children or other private family relationships.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Contracts and Career Earnings
Garoppolo signed several substantial NFL contracts during his career.
His most widely discussed agreement was the five-year, $137.5 million extension signed with San Francisco in 2018.
He later signed a three-year, $72.75 million agreement with the Raiders in 2023, but that deal ended after his release in 2024.
He subsequently signed shorter contracts with the Rams.
According to Over the Cap, Garoppolo’s estimated NFL career earnings through his most recent contract total approximately $157.96 million.
That is an estimate of gross football earnings, not his personal net worth.
Reported contract values also represent maximum contractual amounts and do not necessarily reflect the money a player ultimately receives.
For example, Garoppolo did not receive the entire value of his three-year Raiders agreement because he was released after one season.
What Is Jimmy Garoppolo’s Net Worth?
Jimmy Garoppolo’s exact personal net worth in October 2026 is not independently verified.
His financial resources have been influenced by NFL contracts, endorsement arrangements and other professional income.
However, earnings reported by contract-tracking websites do not establish the value of his current assets.
Taxes, agent fees, spending, investments and other financial obligations can affect the difference between gross earnings and personal wealth.
Celebrity websites publish different estimates of his fortune, but many do not provide verifiable records supporting their calculations.
His documented career earnings offer a clearer financial reference than an unsupported net-worth figure.
Is Jimmy Garoppolo Retired?
Jimmy Garoppolo has not officially announced a permanent retirement from the NFL as of October 14, 2026.
He considered retiring earlier in the year after completing the 2025 season with the Rams.
However, NFL Network reported in July that he remained interested in returning for the right playing opportunity.
He is therefore best described as an unsigned veteran quarterback rather than a confirmed retired player.
Garoppolo’s career has included opportunities that few quarterbacks experience: learning behind Tom Brady, earning two Super Bowl rings and helping another franchise reach the championship game as its starter.
His injury history and changes of team have also shaped his professional record. Whether he signs another NFL contract remains undecided, but his playing statistics and championship appearances are already established parts of his career.
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