Arlington Heights native and Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo lost his chance to start this season when Tom Brady won his suspension appeal, but that’s okay with mom and dad.
In a video feature on Patriots.com, Garoppolo showed off his hometown and detailed his journey to the NFL.
Brady was facing a four-game suspension for his involvement in “Deflategate” but won his appeal just a few days before the season kicked off.
That’s just fine with Garoppolo’s parents, who said the young quarterback needs time to get familiar with the NFL before he’s playing meaningful snaps.
Garoppolo started out at Rolling Meadows High School but didn’t play quarterback until his junior season.
Without an offer from an FBS school, Garoppolo signed with Eastern Illinois, where he broke Tony Romo’s school records for career passing yards and touchdowns.
In his senior year, Garoppolo threw for more than 5,000 yards and 53 touchdowns.
He has completed 19 of 27 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown in nine appearances with the Patriots.
