There was a time when Jimmy Garoppolo was considered the next big thing in the NFL. Today, however, the quarterback has become a target for fans’ ridicule. Recent reports from the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp have fueled relentless mockery from critics of the 10-year veteran.
Garoppolo entered the NFL a decade ago, selected in the second round by the New England Patriots. Despite limited opportunities, he displayed unexpected talent. However, with Tom Brady still at his peak, the Patriots had no need for him and traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round pick in 2017.
Garoppolo performed reasonably well with the Niners, achieving a 38-17 record over six years. He departed from San Francisco in 2022 after being designated as Trey Lance’s backup. In 2023, he signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, but the season turned out to be a disaster, leading head coach Josh McDaniels to bench him.
The Garoppolo Debacle
Jimmy Garoppolo, once seen as Tom Brady’s successor with the Patriots, now finds himself with a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Rams, serving as Matthew Stafford’s backup. However, recent reports from his workouts have left fans unimpressed.
Reporter Eric Lambkins shared that Garoppolo’s performance during a recent practice was poor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lambkins noted that Garoppolo overthrew receiver Tyler Johnson in the end zone three times. To make matters worse, Garoppolo ended the practice with an interception, reminiscent of his disastrous 2023 season with the Raiders, where he led the NFL in interceptions despite playing only eight games before being replaced by Aidan O’Connell.
Fans’ Jeers
Niners fans were quick to mock Garoppolo’s struggles. “As a 49ers fan, now you guys can see what we experienced in practice and games,” one Twitter user remarked. Another added, “Same ole Jimmy. I’m so glad he’s not our problem anymore. He’s the one 49ers jersey I never bought.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Garoppolo’s performance was typical. “Jimmy G in prime form,” one user commented, while another sarcastically noted, “Just a shocking development.” A third chimed in, “Nice to see Jimmy G in mid-season form.”
Despite the criticism, a few fans defended him. “It’s just practice, people, and it’s Tyler Johnson? Relax, it means nothing. Coaches and players try different things to eliminate or keep in practice. Judge only by real game play when it counts. Nothing else matters,” one netizen pointed out.
As training camps are just beginning, and although Garoppolo’s recent history doesn’t inspire confidence, only time will tell if he will capitalize on this opportunity or fade into obscurity.
