Who is qj in football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: In football, 'QJ' refers to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2022. He led the team to Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season, where they lost 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Garoppolo has a career passer rating of 99.6 and won two Super Bowl rings as a backup with the New England Patriots.

Key Facts

Jimmy Garoppolo was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2nd round (62nd overall) in 2014
He started 57 games for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-2022 with a 38-17 record
Garoppolo led the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV in 2019, completing 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards in the game
He has a career completion percentage of 67.6% with 15,494 passing yards and 94 touchdowns
Garoppolo signed a 3-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023

Overview

In American football, "QJ" is a common abbreviation for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been a prominent NFL player since 2014. Born on November 2, 1991, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Garoppolo played college football at Eastern Illinois University, where he won the Walter Payton Award in 2013 as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. His professional career began when he was drafted by the New England Patriots, where he served as Tom Brady's backup before becoming a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Garoppolo's time with the 49ers from 2017 to 2022 defined his career, particularly during the 2019 season when he led the team to Super Bowl LIV. Known for his quick release and accuracy, he became one of the NFL's most efficient passers during his tenure in San Francisco. After his release from the 49ers following the 2022 season, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, continuing his career as a veteran quarterback in the league.

How It Works

Jimmy Garoppolo's playing style and career trajectory demonstrate how modern NFL quarterbacks develop from backups to franchise leaders.

Early Development in New England: Garoppolo spent his first three seasons (2014-2016) learning behind Tom Brady, appearing in 17 games with 2 starts. He completed 63 of 94 passes (67.0%) for 690 yards with 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions during this period, showcasing his potential as a future starter.
Trade to San Francisco: On October 30, 2017, the Patriots traded Garoppolo to the 49ers for a 2018 second-round draft pick. He started 5 games that season, winning all 5 while completing 120 of 178 passes (67.4%) for 1,560 yards with 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, immediately establishing himself as the franchise quarterback.
Super Bowl Run: In the 2019 season, Garoppolo led the 49ers to a 13-3 record and NFC Championship. He completed 329 of 476 passes (69.1%) for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, earning a 102.0 passer rating. His performance helped the team reach Super Bowl LIV, where they faced the Kansas City Chiefs.
Contract and Market Value: Garoppolo signed a 5-year, $137.5 million contract with the 49ers in 2018, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks at the time. His 2023 contract with the Raiders was worth $72.75 million over 3 years, demonstrating his continued value despite injury concerns that limited him to 57 starts in 6 seasons with San Francisco.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Jimmy Garoppolo	Average NFL Starting QB (2022)
Career Completion %	67.6%	64.2%
Career Passer Rating	99.6	92.5
TD-INT Ratio	94-51 (1.84:1)	1.65:1
Games Started	74	Varies widely
Super Bowl Appearances	1 (as starter)	0.3 average

Why It Matters

Franchise Transformation: Garoppolo's arrival in San Francisco transformed a struggling franchise, taking them from a 1-10 start in 2017 to Super Bowl contenders by 2019. The 49ers improved from 6-10 in 2018 to 13-3 in 2019 with Garoppolo as starter, demonstrating his impact on team success.
Quarterback Market Dynamics: Garoppolo's career illustrates the value of experienced quarterbacks in today's NFL. His 2018 contract set a market standard for franchise quarterbacks, while his 2023 deal with the Raiders at age 31 showed teams still value veteran leadership, with $33.75 million guaranteed despite his injury history.
Development Pathway: His progression from backup to starter provides a blueprint for quarterback development. Spending 3 seasons learning behind Tom Brady prepared him for leadership roles, with his 38-17 record as a 49ers starter (69.1% win percentage) exceeding the league average for starting quarterbacks.

Looking forward, Jimmy Garoppolo's career continues to evolve as he enters his second decade in the NFL. With the Las Vegas Raiders, he faces the challenge of leading another franchise while maintaining his efficient passing style. His experience in multiple systems and proven ability to elevate teams makes him a valuable asset in a league where quarterback play remains the most critical factor in championship contention. As the NFL continues to emphasize passing efficiency, Garoppolo's career completion percentage of 67.6% places him among the most accurate quarterbacks of his era, suggesting he could continue to contribute significantly in the coming seasons.