Jeff Garcia: The Incredible Underdog the NFL Forgot! (Part 1)

Not many QBs go from the CFL to the NFL, let alone then being selected to multiple Pro Bowls, throwing a 99-yard touchdown, and feuding with T.O. There’s only one QB that fits that description: Jeff Garcia. The ex-San Jose Spartan has been left behind by time until now!

Jeff Garcia Grew Up In Sunny California

But his life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Born in Gilroy specifically, he was born into a sporting family, with his father being the former athletic director and football coach for Gavilan College. It is based in Gilroy. The young, Irish-American-Mexican had football in his veins and played quarterback in high school, along with basketball, too. With him being motivated not only by his father’s passion but also by giving his family something to believe in following the tragedy. Jeff Garcia lost both his younger brothers by drowning, and then lost his young sister in a car accident.

It is no surprise that with his father’s knowledge and passion for the game, plus being motivated by all the tragedy and trauma faced in his childhood, it all instilled in him the passion and work ethic that led him to the league and allowed him to show his talent early on.

Garcia Had To Work Hard In College

Starting in Cali JUCO at that very same Gavilan College, he was almost as far away from being a pro QB as you can be. Jeff Garcia wasn’t quitting, though he started his freshman year, and he shone like the star he was meant to be. He passed for 2,038 yards for 18 touchdowns and rushed 584 yards for 4 touchdowns. After the season, Jeff Garcia even earned junior college honorable mention All-America honors. Pretty good for a freshman.

Garcia Stayed Local For College

With Jeff Garcia choosing to transfer to San Jose State, he would be redshirted for 1990. It wouldn’t take long for him to get on the field. He led the Spartans to a 6-4-1 record in 1991. He garnered a completion percentage(61.9) that he would never best in college. He had 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Sure, he was never as accurate again, but his yards and touchdowns kept climbing up along with his skills, understanding of the game, and confidence.

Garcia Ended His San Jose Career As An All-Time Great

He had 7,274 total yards by the time he left San Jose behind. His senior year season was his best with 2,608 yards passing and 21 passing touchdowns to go along with 359 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. A season so great led to Garcia earning UPI All-America honors as a San Jose Spartan. After a good senior year, you would think the NFL would be fawning over him after graduation. But I’m sure Jeff Garcia wasn’t surprised to see scouts turn the other way.

Thanks a bunch for reading. Stay tuned for the other parts of the Jeff Garcia story!