From high school prodigy to NFL journeyman: the resilient career of Garrett Gilbert
In short: He was once hailed as the best high school quarterback ever seen. Yet, despite breaking state records and leading major college programs, his professional path through the NFL and the AAF was defined by practice squads, waivers, and the relentless pursuit of a starting role.
Garrett Gilbert’s ascent began in Texas, where his high school career at Lake Travis was nothing short of legendary. By his senior year, he had set state records for completions, attempts, and passing yards, eventually totaling over 12,500 yards in his high school career. His talent was so evident that he was selected for the prestigious Elite 11 event, out of a pool of more than one thousand prospects.
His transition to the collegiate level at the University of Texas brought both immense pressure and significant hurdles. While he appeared in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, his time with the Longhorns was marked by injury and competition. After undergoing shoulder surgery and facing demotions, Gilbert eventually transferred to SMU, where he found renewed success, passing for over 3,500 yards in 2013.
The professional stage proved much more volatile. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, Gilbert spent much of his early career navigating the fringes of the league. He moved through rosters including the Patriots, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, and Browns. During the 2019 Alliance of American Football (AAF) season, he topped the league's passing yards and passer rating statistics prior to the league's shutdown.
Despite the instability of the AAF's collapse, Gilbert returned to the NFL, notably serving as a starter for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. His career serves as a testament to the grit required to survive the high-stakes ecosystem of professional football, where the line between the active roster and the practice squad is often razor-thin.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Garrett Gilbert
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