Jimmy Garoppolo fires subtle shot across 49ers' bow with latest comments

Jimmy Garoppolo didn't mention the 49ers outright, but his latest comments appear to take a jab at his employer from 2017 through 2022.

The dwindling number of San Francisco 49ers fans who still endorse their former starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, might have yet another change of heart in light of some recent comments he told Jeff Howe of The Athletic (h/t Pro Football Talk).

Garoppolo, of course, watched his relationship with the Niners slowly sour over the years, perhaps beginning in 2018 after suffering a torn ACL early in the season after signing a contract that, at the time, made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

On-field shortcomings and other injuries led to San Francisco trading up in the 2021 NFL Draft to grab his apparent heir apparent, Trey Lance, which created further controversy but nevertheless only briefly derailed Jimmy G's tenure as the 49ers' starter in 2022 after Lance suffered his own season-ending injury early that year.

But another Garoppolo injury led to now-Niners quarterback Brock Purdy taking over late that season, and the former unceremoniously walked in free agency, signing a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders that lasted only one tumultuous year of the three originally on the contract.

Now back in the NFC West, backing up LA's starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, Garoppolo admits he's having fun again.

In doing so, though, he arguably took another parting shot at San Francisco.

Jimmy Garoppolo apparently just threw shade at 49ers

“This place allows you to be yourself, too, which is different than other places I've been,” Garoppolo said of his new team. “You’re getting pressed with a sense of urgency but in a good way."

Granted, Garoppolo didn't specify which "other place," be it the 49ers, Raiders or even the New England Patriots where he started his career.

But, it's hard not to conclude he was thinking about his time with the Niners when making that statement.

“It was chaotic at times, but they’re all learning experiences,” Garoppolo added. “That’s one thing I’ve taken from this. The NFL is crazy, man."

Related story: 49ers can have last laugh with their former QB, Jimmy Garoppolo

In fairness to Jimmy G, it's not uncommon for players to talk about how good things are with new teams, often saying something along the lines of "this is the best situation I've ever been in" or "this is where I've always wanted to be."

And, also in fairness, what Garoppolo experienced over his final two-plus years with San Francisco wasn't exactly easy, especially with Lance and then Purdy breathing over his shoulder, knowing fully well the 49ers wanted to move on from the veteran.

Still, Garoppolo's comments are going to irk many a Niners fan, including those who wholly supported him when he was donning their uniform.

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