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Watch: Jimmy Garoppolo takes flight in an F-16 fighter jet
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo takes flight in an F-16 fighter jet

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo recently channeled his need for speed.

Through a partnership with WhistleSports and USAA, Garoppolo — whose grandfather was in the Marine Corps — visited Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to join the Thunderbirds, "an elite group of 135 of the most experienced members in the US Air Force," per a news release.

As part of the experience, Jimmy G flew in an F-16 fighter jet that reached Mach 2 (approximately 1,500 miles per hour). He also fought to maintain consciousness while pulling nine Gs (2,000 pounds of pressure).

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Garoppolo said Tuesday on "NFL Total Access." "Came close [to passing out] though, that vision stuff when your vision starts closing that's real. I was shook for a couple days after, not gonna lie, but it was definitely worth it." 

The 31-year-old's ability to handle high-pressure situations bodes well for the Raiders. After the club moved on from longtime QB Derek Carr this offseason, it replaced him with Garoppolo, who signed a three-year, $72.75M deal.

Garoppolo is a solid QB with a 40-17 starting record and a passer rating of 99.6 in nine seasons with the 49ers and Patriots. However, he's struggled to stay healthy, missing 30 games with various injuries over the past five seasons. 

Nonetheless, Garoppolo looked sharp in his lone preseason start. Against the Rams, the QB led a 68-yard TD drive, completing four-of-four passes for 39 yards.

"We're in a good spot right now," Garoppolo said. "Obviously, got some room for improvement just as an offense and a team. But I'm glad we got out there and got one series in."  

Regardless, Garoppolo's flight with the Air Force was remarkable. Perhaps he should call Tom Cruise if the movie star produces another "Top Gun" sequel and make a cameo.

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