David Garrard Signs Contract Extension
April 7, 2008 by David Kindervater
Filed under Jacksonville Jaguars
Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
David Garrard’s career has taken an amazing turn. A year ago at this time, he was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ backup quarterback with — let’s face it — an uncertain future behind Byron Leftwich. David probably wondered if he would ever be given a chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Fast forward to today and he is the proud owner of a new seven-year, $60 million contract extension (the richest in Jags history). What a difference a year makes. After being named the starter and unquestioned leader of the team during training camp last season, David proceeded to throw for 2,509 yards and 18 TDs (with a 102.2 QB rating) in 12 games while leading Jacksonville into the AFC Divisional playoffs.
I think David is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL right now. He’s smart (only three INTs last regular season). He’s tough. And he makes plays with his arm and his legs. I think he’s the complete quarterback. And with a year of experience as the starter and some clever offseason additions, 2008 could be the year David and the Jags put it all together.
This is good for The Jaguars. You can’t lose an up and coming super quarterback like Garrard. He will lead them to many years of playoff contention.
This is great news for David. I am from ECU (Greenville, NC). When DG came to Greenville, as a football CAMPER at 14, he was a big kid at 285 or so and Steve Logan then put him with the linemen. DG said NO, I am a quarterback! Several years later ECU recruited him.
And under Logan’s expert quarterback tutelage, he became one of the best! Very tough and patient player, now a skinny 240. Terrific arm and tough runner, like a fullback. Good Luck, David, from all the Pirate Nation.