New Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo Embracing Backup Role
The Los Angeles Rams now have a solidified backup quarterback in case Matthew Stafford goes down, as they have signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year deal.
He is used to being the starter and was once the field general for a San Francisco 49ers team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl in 2020.
Now, Garoppolo is embracing the backup role and is looking forward to making the most of his opportunity in Los Angeles.
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“The opportunity, I couldn't be more thankful for it, more grateful. I'm excited to learn from these guys," Garoppolo said. "I mean, there's some great offensive minds here, a little bit that I've been talking to today, it's exciting... I know myself as a player. I know where I stand so things will work themselves out.”
Obviously, this isn't Garoppolo's first time being the No. 2 option.
Garoppolo was notably a backup for Tom Brady on the New England Patriots for the first four years of his career. In fact, at one point, it was even hoped that he would be the eventual successor to Brady.
Instead, the Patriots traded him to San Francisco, where he was - more often than not at least - the starter. Garoppolo eventually lost the starting job with the 49ers to Brock Purdy and moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the Raiders, things have been a tad rocky for Garoppolo. Not only was he just 3-3 as a starter, but he struggled with his efficiency as well, eventually getting benched midway through the season.
To add insult to injury, it was announced earlier this year that Garoppolo was also suspended for the first two games of next season due to violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.
Now, however, he gets a fresh start. And he is looking forward to doing everything he can to help the Rams win.
"I'm excited to start this new journey," Garoppolo said. "I don't know exactly what is in store for me, but yeah... I'm just excited to get back on the football field and start slinging around with some new guys. I love football. I love going out there with the guys. I love every bit of it, so I'm just excited to get back out there and start throwing again.”
