Here’s the thing: You can always find star QBs in people’s discussions throughout the season. Like who’s gonna win the MVP, whose gonna lead their team to the Super Bowl. Or even those who could turn out as a surprise package as the season progresses. But have you ever thought about those backup QBs? Aren’t they supposed to get their flowers once the season concludes? Well, they should because of the grueling nature of the NFL. You just never know when a starter QB could get injured in a crucial run of games.

So, with that thought, CBS came up with an NFL QB power rankings that only feature backup QBs. Any guesses on who might have occupied the No.1 spot? It’s former Tom Brady’s backup, Jimmy Garoppolo. Since entering the league with the Patriots in 2014, Jimmy G went on to find his footing with the Niners. Spending 6 seasons with them both as a backup and a starter QB for most of it. Then, he went on to join the Raiders after the 49ers chapter came to a close. However, his time in Vegas didn’t go too well. Garoppolo was released after just a season in Sin City.

Now, his latest in the NFL came with the Rams, where he didn’t start a game until week 18. When the Rams had already secured their WildCard spot, Jimmy was given the nod to start in place of Matthew Stafford. Well, starting his first game in over a year, Garoppolo showed the level of experience and composure he still possesses. Completing 21 of his 41 passes, Jimmy G went on to throw for 331 passing yards and 2 TDs. However, those numbers still weren’t enough for him to get his first win in Rams colors.

But considering his experience in big games, from reaching two NFL title games. Garoppolo was given the No.1 spot out of other backup QBs in the league. Yeah, he didn’t have the numbers like Justin Fields, who was given the second position. Garoppolo’s experience speaks volumes about his play-making capabilities. While some might argue that Fields started 6 games and even led the Steelers to 4 wins while throwing 10 TDs in the process. Let’s be honest with ourselves—At the end of the day, it’s his big experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the league.

Even his former 49ers teammate Fred Warner is all too familiar with Jimmy Garoppolo’s game with a tinch of trash-talking.

Fred Warner trash-talking 49ers QBs

Hopping on The Warner House on Instagram, Fred Warner remembered how he used to trash-talk Jimmy G from their time together in the Bay Area. And how Jimmy Garoppolo also used to return the favor back and forth. This used to fire up Warner, as he recalled, “It created such a competitive atmosphere.” But after Jimmy’s departure from the Niners, it was then Mr. Irrevelant Brock Purdy turned to face Warner’s trash-talking. And guess what? He also received the same reaction from Purdy, who didn’t usually put his head down and listen to trash talk.

As Fred revealed, “He’s in there at practice with the no-look passes, dicing our defense up every single week. I’m back there, pissed off. I’m giving it to him, and he’s giving it back to me with the trash talk.” This only helped Warner fuel his competitive attitude, not only himself but also his teammates around him. So, with the quarterback matching, the linebacker’s energy only propelled Purdy to perform better. Soon after, he won the starting job while leading the 49ers to two Super Bowls in his time in the Bay Area.