Jeff Garcia is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was born on February 24, 1970, in Gilroy, California, and attended San Jose State University, where he played college football for the San Jose State Spartans.
Garcia began his professional football career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he played for the Calgary Stampeders from 1994 to 1998. He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 1998, leading the Stampeders to a Grey Cup championship.
In 1999, Garcia signed with the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, where he spent the next five seasons. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks, earning three Pro Bowl selections and leading the 49ers to the playoffs in 2001 and 2002. In 2000, he set a franchise record for passing yards in a season with 4,278.
After leaving the 49ers in 2004, Garcia played for several other NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He continued to be a productive quarterback, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 2007 while playing for the Buccaneers.
Garcia retired from professional football in 2010, finishing his career with 25,537 passing yards, 161 touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 87.5. He also rushed for 2,152 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Throughout his career, Garcia was known for his toughness, mobility, and accuracy as a passer. He was often underestimated due to his small stature (he is listed at 6 feet tall), but he proved to be a highly effective quarterback at every level of football.
In addition to his success on the field, Garcia was also known for his philanthropic work off the field. He established the Garcia Pass It On Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged youth in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Overall, Jeff Garcia had a successful and memorable football career, earning the respect of his peers and fans alike. He remains a beloved figure in the Bay Area, where he is remembered for his leadership and dedication to the game.
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