Jeff Garcia facts for kids
Garcia with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||
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| Born: | February 24, 1970 Gilroy, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 205 lb (93 kg) | ||||||
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| High school: | Gilroy | ||||||
| College: | Gavilan (1989) San Jose State (1990–1993) |
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| Undrafted: | 1994 | ||||||
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Jeffrey Jason Garcia (born February 24, 1970) is a former professional football player from America. He was a talented quarterback in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Jeff Garcia started his football journey in Gilroy, California, playing in high school and junior college. Later, he played college football for the San Jose State Spartans.
Garcia was chosen for the CFL All-Star team four times and the NFL Pro Bowl four times. He began his professional career in 1994 with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders. In 1999, Garcia joined the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers, he played in three Pro Bowl games (in 2000, 2001, and 2002). He also led the team to the playoffs in 2001 and 2002.
After his time with the 49ers, Garcia played for the Cleveland Browns in 2004 and the Detroit Lions in 2005. He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, where he helped the team reach the playoffs. In 2007, Garcia became the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led them to the playoffs in 2007 and earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection. Garcia also played for the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League in 2010. He briefly signed with the Houston Texans in 2011 but did not play.
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Who is Jeff Garcia?
Jeff Garcia is a well-known former football quarterback. He played in both Canadian and American professional leagues. His career was marked by many exciting plays and comebacks. He is remembered for his strong arm and ability to lead teams.
Growing Up and College Football
Jeff Garcia grew up in Gilroy, California. He attended Gilroy High School, where he was a star in both football and basketball. His father, Bob Garcia, was a football coach and athletic director. Jeff has mentioned that personal challenges he faced early in life greatly motivated him to succeed.
After high school, Garcia played for Gavilan College, a local junior college. In 1989, he was the starting quarterback. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 584 yards and four touchdowns.
In 1990, Garcia transferred to San Jose State University. He became the starting quarterback for the San Jose State Spartans football team from 1991 to 1993. During his college career, he set a school record. He had the most career offensive yards with 7,274.
Starting His Pro Journey in Canada
Because of his size, many thought Jeff Garcia was too small for the NFL. So, he began his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 1994, he joined the Calgary Stampeders. He quickly became a backup quarterback.
In 1995, Garcia became the starter when another player was injured. He once set a team record with 546 passing yards and six touchdowns in one game. After the team's main quarterback left, Garcia became the full-time starter in 1996. He led the Stampeders to winning records for three seasons.
In 1997, Garcia won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy. This award goes to the Most Outstanding Player in the CFL Western Division. The highlight of his CFL career was in 1998. He led the Stampeders to a Grey Cup victory and was named the Grey Cup MVP. He made an amazing 80-yard drive to win the game. In 2012, Garcia was honored on the Stampeders Wall of Fame.
NFL Star with the San Francisco 49ers
Early Years and Pro Bowl Success
After his Grey Cup win, Garcia signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. He was initially a backup to legendary quarterback Steve Young. However, Young suffered an injury early in the 1999 season. Garcia then stepped in as the starting quarterback. He won his first NFL start against the Tennessee Titans.
In the 2000 season, Garcia became the full-time starter. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection. He set a new 49ers team record with 4,278 passing yards. He also threw 31 touchdown passes that season.
Leading the 49ers to Playoffs
By the 2001 season, Garcia was a key player for the 49ers. He threw a career-high 32 touchdown passes. He led the 49ers to the playoffs that year.
In 2002, Garcia helped the 49ers win the NFC West division title. This was their first division win since 1997. He led an incredible comeback against the New York Giants in the playoffs. The 49ers were down by 24 points but scored 25 unanswered points to win 39–38. This became a memorable game in his 49ers career.
The 2003 season was a tough one for Garcia and the 49ers. The team finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs. After this season, Garcia was released by the 49ers.
Moving to Other NFL Teams
Time with the Browns and Lions
In 2004, Garcia signed with the Cleveland Browns. He faced challenges and injuries during this season. Despite difficulties, he tied an NFL record. He completed a 99-yard touchdown pass to André Davis. This is one of the longest passes in NFL history.
Garcia then joined the Detroit Lions in 2005. He broke his fibula during the preseason. He returned later in the season and led the Lions to a victory against his former team, the Browns.
Eagles Comeback and Buccaneers Success
In 2006, Garcia signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a backup. When starting quarterback Donovan McNabb was injured, Garcia stepped in. He led the Eagles to five straight wins and the NFC East division championship. He threw ten touchdowns and only two interceptions during this impressive run. He also won a playoff game with the Eagles.
After his successful stint with the Eagles, Garcia signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007. He became their starting quarterback. He led the Buccaneers to the NFC South division title. He was also selected for his fourth Pro Bowl that season. In 2008, he continued as a starter. He surpassed 40,000 career passing yards, combining his CFL and NFL statistics.
Later Career Teams
Garcia signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2009 but was released before the season started. He briefly returned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 for one game. In 2010, Garcia played for the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. He had two game-winning drives that season. His final professional stop was with the Houston Texans in 2011, though he did not play in a game.
After Playing Football
After his playing career, Jeff Garcia stayed involved in football. In 2012, he joined the advisory board for the United States Football League (USFL) revival. In 2014, he became an offensive consultant and then quarterbacks coach for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL. He also worked as an offensive assistant for the St. Louis Rams in 2015. Garcia enjoys helping other quarterbacks improve their skills. As of December 2025, Garcia is the offensive coordinator for Mira Mesa Senior High School in San Diego, California.
Jeff Garcia's Family and Legacy
Jeff Garcia grew up in a large family. His father, Bob Garcia, was a football coach. Jeff's maternal grandfather, Maurice "Red" Elder, was also a football star. Both Jeff and his grandfather played in the East–West Shrine Game during college. This makes them the only grandfather-grandson duo to do so.
Garcia has honored his family's legacy. He donated money to improve the athletic field at his old high school, Gilroy High. In 2005, the field was renamed Garcia-Elder Field to honor both him and his grandfather.
Jeff Garcia has a diverse background, with Mexican, German, and Irish heritage. He has supported various charities, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. In 2007, Jeff married Carmella DeCesare. They have four children together. They later divorced but continue to co-parent their children.
Career Highlights
Jeff Garcia had a remarkable career in professional football. In the CFL, he threw for 16,442 yards and 111 touchdowns. In the NFL, he achieved 25,537 passing yards and 161 touchdowns. He is one of only eighteen quarterbacks in NFL history to have two consecutive seasons with thirty or more touchdown passes. He is also one of only thirteen quarterbacks to throw a 99-yard touchdown pass.
Charity Work
Jeff Garcia and Carmella DeCesare founded the Garcia Pass It On Foundation. This foundation aimed to help people in need. The foundation is no longer active.
