David Garrard

Lore & Background

Garrard was born in East Orange, New Jersey, and grew up in Durham, North Carolina. When he was fourteen his mother died of breast cancer. When he began his professional career he created The David Garrard Foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and research. He attended Southern High School in Durham, where he was named an All-America choice by Prep Stars and rated the best high school quarterback in North Carolina. He attended East Carolina University, where he broke 28 school passing and offensive records and joined a select few quarterbacks who achieved more than 9000 passing yards and 1000 rushing yards in their collegiate careers. He graduated with a degree in Construction Management.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Alltel Stadium was thick with tension as the clock wound down in overtime against the Buffalo Bills. Garrard stood under center, the noise of the crowd fading into a singular focus. He snapped the ball, stepped up to avoid the rush, and launched a spiral that cut through the cold January wind. The receiver caught it, crossed the line, and the stadium erupted. In that moment, David Garrard wasn't just a player; he was the embodiment of Jacksonville's fighting spirit.

Reader's Guide

Garrard was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in January 2004 and underwent treatment, including surgery to remove a nearly 12-inch portion of his intestines. He led the Jaguars to a 31–29 Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 5, 2008, highlighted by a 32-yard run on 4th and 2 that set up the game-winning field goal. He set franchise records with 22 completions and 278 yards in a Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots. He was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl. In 2010, he threw for 23 touchdowns, 2,734 yards, a quarterback rating of 91, and an 8–6 record in 14 games. He was released by Jacksonville on September 6, 2011.

Did You Know?

• Garrard spent his entire nine-season NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, though he later signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 and the New York Jets in 2013 without playing regular-season games for them.
• He was drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL draft and never played for Oakland.
• His most significant contribution was leading the team to their first playoff win since 1999, a 31–29 Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• He was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl.