Here's a story of a 49ers quarterback: a talented college player who was not drafter in the first round. He began his career as a backup to a talented and highly-touted franchise quarterback. Givem a chance to start when the starter went down to injury, he impressed his coaches and retained the job. After an impressive season, he came to believe he was bigger than his franchise, and started skipping practice. Three years later he turned social activist, stopped talking to the coaches and administration, and felt he was such a social media presence that he didn't need to listen to anyone else, instead believing that everyone should follow him. His lack of practice and separation from the coaches soured his on-field performance, and he was shut out of team activities. Two years later, he was dismissed.
Yes, I;m talking about Collin Kaepernick. However, which only a few alterations, the above paragraph could apply to Jimmy Garopollo, who has played the role of :Invisible Man" in the last three preseasons, and most Monday meetings last season. He 49ers have lost patience with him, and he put all of their efforts, including promotion, behind new starter Trey Lance. So far Jimmy G's agent is fighting efforts to allow the 49ers to formally put him on the trading block (although, given his attitude, you wonder who might want to pick him up), but you wonder if they will be willing to use a precious spot on their eventual 53-man roster for a player who will not be playing nor participating with the team. Jimmy G could find himself released, and facing life without a team.
Garopollo was cheered, and was the toast of the town, when he came to San Francisco from New England. In four years, he has gone from angel to devil, and persona non gratis. Now the team and the fans are enamored on Trey Lance. Eh looks good, and you hope he turns out to a be a good leader for the 49ers, but their two previous QB stars soured. Hopes are high, but recent history seems to be against them.
No comments:
Post a Comment