David Garrard
The steady hand who led the Jaguars to a division title and playoff victory with poise and precision.
David Garrard stands as one of the most pivotal figures in Jacksonville Jaguars history, serving as the franchise's starting quarterback during a transformative era in the mid-2000s. Drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, he brought a calm demeanor and precise arm talent that stabilized an offense often hampered by inconsistency. His tenure is defined by a remarkable surge in performance, leading the team to an AFC South title in 2007 and their first playoff victory since the late 1990s.
- Major Achievement
- Led team to 2007 AFC South title and Wild Card playoff win
- Signature Trait
- Steady leadership and clutch performances
Lore & Background
The peak of his legacy came during the 2007 season, where he guided the Jaguars to an AFC South title and a historic playoff run. His performance in the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains etched in fan memory as a masterclass in resilience, though the team fell to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. Although injuries eventually shortened his prime years, the window he opened for Jacksonville remains one of the most celebrated periods in the club's early history.
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
David Garrard joined the Jaguars in 2006 after being traded from Oakland, immediately seizing the starting role with a dynamic performance against Houston. Over five seasons, he set numerous franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns that stood for years. His most significant contribution was leading the team to their first playoff win since 1997, defeating the New England Patriots in overtime before falling in the AFC Championship game. Garrard's style was characterized by his ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws under duress. He formed a potent connection with wide receiver Reggie Wayne and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, creating a balanced offense that kept defenses off-balance. His leadership helped solidify the team's culture during a period of rebuilding. Even after his departure in 2010 due to injury concerns, Garrard's impact on Jacksonville remains profound. He is remembered not just for his stats, but for bringing a consistent winning mentality back to EverBank Stadium (then Alltel). His jersey number is often cited by fans as one of the most beloved in franchise history.
Did You Know?
- Garrard threw for over 3,000 yards in three seasons with the Jaguars (2006, 2007, 2009), but never in four consecutive years.
- He led the Jaguars to a Wild Card playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2007 season, but never faced the Patriots in an overtime playoff game.
- Drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, he spent the majority of his career with the Jaguars, though he later signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 and the New York Jets in 2013 without playin
- Garrard was never selected to the Pro Bowl during his tenure with Jacksonville.