David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard (born February 14, 1978) is a former American football quarterback who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars.[1] Drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft out of East Carolina University, Garrard initially served as a backup before becoming the team's starting quarterback in 2007, where he led Jacksonville to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance, highlighted by a memorable 12-yard scramble in a wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1][2] Over his career with the Jaguars from 2002 to 2010, Garrard appeared in 86 games, making 76 starts, and compiled 16,003 passing yards, 89 touchdown passes, and 54 interceptions, while also rushing for 17 touchdowns, showcasing his mobility as a dual-threat quarterback. His most successful stretch came from 2007 to 2010, during which he threw for over 2,500 yards and at least 14 touchdowns each season, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 after posting career highs of 3,597 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.[1][3] Garrard signed a seven-year, $60 million contract extension with the Jaguars in 2008, the richest in franchise history at the time.[4] Released by the Jaguars in September 2011 following a poor preseason, Garrard sat out the 2011 and 2012 seasons due to injuries.[5] He attempted a comeback by signing with the New York Jets in March 2013 but retired in May of that year after recurring knee issues prevented him from participating in the quarterback competition.[6][7] Garrard briefly rejoined the Jets in October 2013 on the exempt list but did not play in any games before effectively ending his career.[8]Early life
Family and childhood
David Douglas Garrard was born on February 14, 1978, in East Orange, New Jersey.[1] His family relocated to Durham, North Carolina, during his early childhood, where he spent the majority of his formative years.[9] Garrard was raised by his single mother, Shirley Garrard, a nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital,[10] alongside his two older brothers, Anthony and Quincy, and younger sister, Adrianne.[11] Shirley's influence instilled strong values in her children from an early age, emphasizing resilience and family unity, lessons that endured even after her death from breast cancer in 1994 at age 49, when Garrard was 16.[12][10] Following her passing, Garrard and his siblings supported one another to maintain family stability. Garrard's early interest in football emerged around age 8 in Durham, where his physical size as a "big kid" led him to start in youth leagues as a fullback before transitioning to tight end during middle school at Neal Middle School.[13] His family's encouragement fostered this athletic development, providing a foundation for his later pursuits in organized sports.[11]High school career
David Garrard attended Southern Durham High School in Durham, North Carolina, where he emerged as the starting quarterback in an option-based offense. Over his high school tenure, he started 40 games at the position.[9] In 1997, his senior year, he was rated the top high school quarterback in North Carolina and received Prep Stars All-American honors for his performance.[9] These accolades highlighted his ability to execute precise long-range throws and evade defenders with linebacker-like speed, despite a heavyset frame that suggested lineman potential to some observers. Garrard's recruitment drew interest from several college programs due to his dual-threat capabilities. However, his size initially positioned him as a defensive lineman prospect in the eyes of some coaches. East Carolina University's Steve Logan, impressed by Garrard's quarterback skills, offered him a scholarship as a signal-caller, leading to his commitment to the Pirates.[14]College career
East Carolina University
David Garrard enrolled at East Carolina University in 1997 after being recognized as the top-rated high school quarterback in North Carolina, drawing recruitment interest from several major programs before committing to the Pirates.[15] He redshirted his freshman season that year, using the time to focus on physical conditioning and weight training to adapt his 6-foot-1 frame for the demands of college football.[14] This preparation allowed him to emerge as a key contributor midway through the 1998 season, taking over as the starting quarterback against Alabama and helping stabilize the Pirates' offense during his redshirt freshman year.[15] Over the next four seasons from 1998 to 2001, Garrard developed into a dual-threat quarterback, leading East Carolina to 29 victories and earning three selections to the All-Conference USA second team in 1999, 2000, and 2001.[16][17][18] His tenure included notable performances in high-profile games, such as a 1999 upset victory over Miami, and he guided the team to three consecutive bowl appearances starting in 1999. These included a loss to TCU in the Mobile Alabama Bowl in 1999, a victory over Texas Tech in the 2000 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, and a dramatic double-overtime loss to Marshall in the 2001 GMAC Bowl, which was one of the highest-scoring bowl games in college football history at the time.[16][19][20] Garrard's contributions at ECU extended beyond the field, as he established 28 school records in passing and total offense, including the career passing yards mark that stood for years after his graduation.[16] Academically, he earned a bachelor's degree in construction management, balancing his studies with football responsibilities and maintaining strong ties to the university community, including marrying a fellow ECU alumna.[15] His college experience honed his skills as a mobile passer, preparing him for a professional career by demonstrating resilience in Conference USA rivalries and postseason play.[16]College statistics
David Garrard's four-year college career at East Carolina University (1998–2001) featured strong passing and rushing production, culminating in career totals of 9,029 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, 1,209 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns.[21]Passing Statistics
| Year | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | Yards/Attempt | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 11 | 157 | 255 | 61.6 | 2,091 | 8.2 | 14 | 7 | 143.1 |
| 1999 | 11 | 181 | 312 | 58.0 | 2,359 | 7.6 | 14 | 12 | 128.6 |
| 2000 | 11 | 164 | 312 | 52.6 | 2,332 | 7.5 | 19 | 11 | 128.4 |
| 2001 | 11 | 164 | 290 | 56.6 | 2,247 | 7.7 | 13 | 9 | 130.2 |
| Career | 44 | 666 | 1,169 | 57.0 | 9,029 | 7.7 | 60 | 39 | 132.1 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Games Played | Carries | Yards | Yards/Carry | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 11 | 127 | 164 | 1.3 | 2 |
| 1999 | 11 | 138 | 493 | 3.6 | 8 |
| 2000 | 11 | 135 | 358 | 2.7 | 5 |
| 2001 | 11 | 116 | 194 | 1.7 | 6 |
| Career | 44 | 516 | 1,209 | 2.3 | 21 |
Professional career
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round, 108th overall, of the 2002 NFL Draft out of East Carolina University.[1] Initially serving as the third-string quarterback behind starter Mark Brunell and backup Danny Wuerffel, Garrard saw limited action in his rookie season, appearing in four games without starting. Following the 2003 draft selection of Byron Leftwich as the first-round starter, Garrard transitioned into the primary backup role from 2003 to 2006, learning the nuances of the professional game while preparing for potential opportunities.[23] During this period, he made spot starts due to injuries, including his NFL debut start in December 2002 against the Indianapolis Colts and seven games with five starts in 2005, where he demonstrated mobility and poise in relief of Leftwich. In 2004, despite dealing with a high ankle sprain, Garrard earned the Jaguars' Ed Block Courage Award for his perseverance and leadership in playing through injuries.[24] Garrard assumed the full-time starting role in 2007 after Leftwich suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason, guiding the Jaguars to an 11-5 regular-season record and the AFC South title. He completed 363 of 500 passes for 3,451 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, achieving a 93.5 passer rating while adding 307 rushing yards and four scores, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.[1] In the playoffs, Garrard led Jacksonville to a 31-29 wild-card upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers—the franchise's first postseason win since 1999—highlighted by his 32-yard scramble that set up the game-winning field goal and his efficient 9-of-21 passing for 140 yards with one touchdown.[25] From 2008 to 2010, Garrard solidified his status as the Jaguars' cornerstone quarterback during his peak years, starting 36 games and posting consistent production despite team inconsistencies and personal injuries. In 2008, he started 11 games before a sports hernia sidelined him, helping the team to a 5-4 record in his starts with 1,937 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.[1] His 2009 season earned him his lone Pro Bowl selection, where he completed 314 of 516 passes for 3,597 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, finishing with an 83.5 passer rating and contributing to an 8-8 finish.[26] In 2010, injuries limited him to 10 starts, but he threw for 2,224 yards and six touchdowns before a knee issue ended his season. Garrard's tenure concluded abruptly when the Jaguars released him on September 5, 2011, citing chronic back problems that hampered his preseason participation and a poor practice performance, allowing the team to save $9 million in salary cap space.[27]Miami Dolphins and New York Jets
After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in September 2011 due to a herniated disc in his back that required surgery, Garrard spent the 2011 season focusing on recovery and did not play.[28] He signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on March 19, 2012, positioning him as a potential backup to starter Ryan Tannehill and veteran Matt Moore amid the team's ongoing quarterback instability.[29] However, during training camp, Garrard suffered a left knee injury on August 9, 2012, leading to arthroscopic surgery two days later to address cartilage damage. The procedure sidelined him for the entire preseason, and the Dolphins released him on September 4, 2012, just before the regular season began, as his $2.25 million salary would have become guaranteed had he remained on the roster.[30] Following his release from Miami, Garrard spent the remainder of the 2012 season away from football, prioritizing rehabilitation from both his back and knee issues to prepare for a potential return.[31] On March 11, 2013, he signed with the New York Jets as a veteran addition to their quarterback room, intended to back up starter Geno Smith and provide competition and mentorship.[32] The one-year deal was valued at $1.1 million, including a $100,000 signing bonus.[33] Yet, persistent knee swelling and pain forced Garrard to announce his retirement on May 15, 2013, before organized team activities fully ramped up, marking another setback in his comeback efforts.[34] Garrard attempted one final return in October 2013, re-signing with the Jets on October 10 under a two-week roster exemption to assess his knee recovery.[35] He was activated to the 53-man roster on October 21, 2013, with the team releasing Brady Quinn to make room, but Garrard did not appear in any regular-season games and was ultimately released later that season without playing.[36] Throughout these stints, recurring back and knee injuries—stemming from the 2011 disc herniation and subsequent 2012 knee surgery—severely limited his mobility and participation, preventing any sustained on-field contribution and effectively ending his professional playing career.Retirement
Following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars in September 2011 due to a back injury, David Garrard underwent surgery in October 2011 to repair a herniated disk, which caused him to miss the entire 2011 season and effectively ended his active playing career at that time.[37][38] The procedure, combined with subsequent leg pain and back spasms, marked the beginning of his prolonged recovery from career-altering injuries that had plagued him since 2010.[39] Garrard attempted a brief comeback with the New York Jets in 2013, but persistent knee issues from prior arthroscopic surgery forced him to reconsider his future in the league.[7] Reflecting on these setbacks, he noted that his knee "never really quite got back to... well enough to compete," highlighting how the cumulative toll of back and knee problems ultimately sidelined him permanently.[40] On May 8, 2015, Garrard signed a one-day contract with the Jaguars to officially retire as a member of the team, allowing him to conclude his 12-year NFL career with the organization where he had spent his most productive years and preserving his legacy in Jacksonville.[41] In the immediate aftermath, Garrard prioritized physical recovery from his surgeries and quality time with his family in Jacksonville, focusing on healing and adjusting to life beyond professional football.[42]Career statistics
Regular season
David Garrard appeared in 86 regular-season games for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2002 to 2010, starting 76 of them, and recorded no regular-season statistics with the Miami Dolphins or New York Jets.[1] His dual-threat style as a quarterback was evident in his rushing contributions, complementing his passing production throughout his career.[1]Passing Statistics
| Year | Team | G | GS | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | TD | Int | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | JAX | 4 | 1 | 23 | 46 | 50.0 | 231 | 1 | 2 | 53.8 |
| 2003 | JAX | 2 | 0 | 9 | 12 | 75.0 | 86 | 1 | 0 | 122.2 |
| 2004 | JAX | 4 | 2 | 38 | 72 | 52.8 | 374 | 2 | 1 | 71.2 |
| 2005 | JAX | 7 | 5 | 98 | 168 | 58.3 | 1117 | 4 | 1 | 83.9 |
| 2006 | JAX | 11 | 10 | 145 | 241 | 60.2 | 1735 | 10 | 9 | 80.5 |
| 2007 | JAX | 12 | 12 | 208 | 325 | 64.0 | 2509 | 18 | 3 | 102.2 |
| 2008 | JAX | 16 | 16 | 335 | 535 | 62.6 | 3620 | 15 | 13 | 81.7 |
| 2009 | JAX | 16 | 16 | 314 | 516 | 60.9 | 3597 | 15 | 10 | 83.5 |
| 2010 | JAX | 14 | 14 | 236 | 366 | 64.5 | 2734 | 23 | 15 | 90.8 |
| Career | JAX | 86 | 76 | 1406 | 2281 | 61.6 | 16003 | 89 | 54 | 85.8 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Team | Att | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | JAX | 25 | 139 | 2 |
| 2003 | JAX | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | JAX | 12 | 76 | 1 |
| 2005 | JAX | 31 | 172 | 3 |
| 2006 | JAX | 47 | 250 | 0 |
| 2007 | JAX | 49 | 185 | 1 |
| 2008 | JAX | 73 | 322 | 2 |
| 2009 | JAX | 77 | 323 | 3 |
| 2010 | JAX | 66 | 279 | 5 |
| Career | JAX | 380 | 1746 | 17 |
Postseason
David Garrard's postseason experience was limited to three appearances across his NFL career, with him starting the team's two playoff games in the 2007 season.[43] Following a regular-season campaign in which the Jaguars secured an 11-5 record and the No. 3 seed in the AFC, Garrard led Jacksonville to its only playoff victory during his tenure.[44] In the AFC Wild Card round on January 5, 2008, against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Garrard struggled through the air, completing just 9 of 21 passes for 140 yards, one touchdown—a 43-yard strike to Maurice Jones-Drew—and two interceptions.[45] Despite the inefficiency, his mobility was decisive; he rushed for a game-high 58 yards on five carries, including a crucial 32-yard gain on fourth-and-2 with under two minutes remaining, where he faked a handoff and juked safety Tyrone Carter to extend the drive inside the 10-yard line.[2] This set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Jones-Drew, securing a 31-29 upset win bolstered by Jacksonville's rushing attack (over 180 yards) and defensive stands.[25] The victory marked the Jaguars' first playoff triumph since 1999 and advanced them to the divisional round. One week later, on January 12, 2008, Garrard delivered a more effective passing performance against the undefeated New England Patriots, completing 22 of 33 attempts for 278 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception and a 100.3 passer rating.[46] He connected on scoring passes to Ernest Wilford (25 yards) and Reggie Williams (9 yards), but a lost fumble and the Patriots' offensive firepower—led by Tom Brady's 28 completions for 418 yards and three touchdowns—proved too much, resulting in a 31-20 defeat. Garrard's outing showcased his arm strength against a top defense, though the loss ended Jacksonville's postseason run. Garrard did not start any other playoff games, though he entered in relief during the 2005 AFC Wild Card loss to New England, completing 3 of 8 passes for 68 yards.[47] Across his three appearances (two starts), he posted a 1-2 record, going 34-for-62 (54.8 percent) for 486 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.| Year | Round | Opponent | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | Int | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Wild Card | NWE | 3/8 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 68.7 |
| 2007 | Wild Card | PIT | 9/21 | 140 | 1 | 2 | 41.9 |
| 2007 | Divisional | NWE | 22/33 | 278 | 2 | 1 | 100.3 |
| Total | 34/62 | 486 | 3 | 3 | 74.9 |
Franchise records
David Garrard established several key franchise benchmarks during his tenure as the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, particularly emphasizing low-turnover play and quarterback mobility. In 2007, he set the team record for fewest interceptions thrown in a single season by a quarterback, with just three across 334 attempts, a mark that remains intact as of 2025 and reflects his career-low 0.9% interception rate that year.[1][48] Garrard also tied the franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season, scoring five in 2010 on 64 carries for 279 yards, a feat matched by Trevor Lawrence in 2022 but unmatched by others in team history.[49] Additionally, in 2010, Garrard tied Brunell's single-season record with 23 passing touchdowns, a benchmark later surpassed by Blake Bortles' 35 in 2015.[1][50] From 2007 to 2009, Garrard authored the longest streak of consecutive starts by a Jaguars quarterback with 32, the franchise record upon its completion but eclipsed by Lawrence's 50 straight starts spanning 2021 to 2023. Compared to Brunell, the Jaguars' all-time passing leader, Garrard's efficient, dual-threat style contributed to third place on the franchise's career passing yards list with 16,003, trailing Brunell's 25,698 and Bortles' 17,646 as of 2025.[26][51]| Rank | Quarterback | Years with Jaguars | Career Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Brunell | 1995–2003 | 25,698 |
| 2 | Blake Bortles | 2014–2018 | 17,646 |
| 3 | David Garrard | 2002–2010 | 16,003 |
| 4 | Trevor Lawrence | 2021–present | 15,813 |
| 5 | Byron Leftwich | 2003–2006 | 9,042 |