Jimmy Garoppolo has made a significant mark in the NFL, recently advancing to his seventh conference championship game during the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Rams. Garoppolo”s journey has seen him transition from a backup to a starter and back again, yet he has been part of winning teams throughout his career.
Since entering the league in 2014, Garoppolo has played for three teams—the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Rams—and has only experienced a losing record with three of those teams in his twelve seasons. This consistent success has led to multiple deep playoff runs, culminating in his latest appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
Garoppolo”s conference championship history is noteworthy. In 2014, he was drafted by the Patriots to serve as a backup for Tom Brady. Although New England won the AFC Championship that year against the Indianapolis Colts, Garoppolo did not see any playing time. The following year, he remained on the sidelines as the Patriots faced the Denver Broncos, who won the game 20-18.
In 2016, Garoppolo found himself in a similar situation as he watched from the bench while the Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 in another AFC Championship. However, it was not until the 2019 season that he finally took the field in a championship game, leading the 49ers to a decisive 37-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Despite the win, Garoppolo”s contribution was minimal, as running back Raheem Mostert dominated the game with 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
In the 2021 NFC Championship, Garoppolo and the 49ers faced off against their division rivals, the Rams. Although San Francisco held a 17-7 lead entering the fourth quarter, they ultimately lost 20-17. Garoppolo completed 16 of 30 passes for 232 yards, with two touchdowns and a critical interception in the final moments of the game.
The following season was tumultuous for Garoppolo, who lost his starting position to Trey Lance but regained it after Lance was injured. However, he suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Consequently, Brock Purdy stepped in and led the 49ers back to the NFC Championship, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 31-7 after Purdy was injured early in the game.
In 2025, Garoppolo”s role shifted once more as he became the backup quarterback for the Rams. His experience and leadership have once again placed him in a position to compete for a championship as the Rams prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
In terms of overall conference championship appearances, Garoppolo”s seven ranks him among the notable players in NFL history. The record for the most appearances belongs to Tom Brady, who has participated in 14 conference championship games, a testament to his longevity and success in the league.
