Gilly Garrity

Written by Gilly Garrity

Modified & Updated: 24 Feb 2025

40-facts-about-jason-garrett
Source: Bleedinggreennation.com

Who is Jason Garrett? Jason Garrett is a name synonymous with American football, known for his dual roles as a player and coach in the NFL. Born on March 28, 1966, in Rutherford, New Jersey, Garrett's journey began at Princeton University, where he excelled as a quarterback. His NFL playing career spanned 12 seasons, primarily as a backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, contributing to three Super Bowl victories. Transitioning to coaching, Garrett became the head coach of the Cowboys in 2011, leading the team to multiple NFC East titles and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2016. Today, he continues to influence the sport through his media career and charitable work.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jason Garrett, a former NFL player and coach, had a successful career with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. He transitioned to a media career and is actively involved in charitable work.
  • Garrett's family background, including his father's influence, shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork and leadership. He continues to make a positive impact through his charitable foundation.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Jason Garrett's journey to NFL fame began in Rutherford, New Jersey. His early years and education laid the foundation for his future success.

  1. 01Jason Garrett was born on March 28, 1966, in Rutherford, New Jersey.
  2. 02He attended Princeton University, where he played college football for the Princeton Tigers.
  3. 03During his senior year in 1988, Garrett was named the Ivy League's Player of the Year.
  4. 04He earned honorable mention All-American honors in his final college season.

Playing Career

Garrett's playing career spanned 12 seasons in the NFL, where he played as a quarterback for several teams.

  1. 05Garrett played quarterback in the NFL for 12 seasons.
  2. 06His NFL career included stints with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins.
  3. 07He served as a backup quarterback for Troy Aikman during the Cowboys' three Super Bowl wins in the 1990s.
  4. 08Garrett played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1993 to 1999.
  5. 09He was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams under head coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer.
  6. 10After leaving the Cowboys, Garrett played for the New York Giants from 2000 to 2003.
  7. 11He served as the primary backup to Kerry Collins and was part of the team that reached Super Bowl XXXV.
  8. 12Garrett finished his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004 and the Miami Dolphins in 2005.

Transition to Coaching

After hanging up his cleats, Garrett transitioned seamlessly into coaching, starting with the Miami Dolphins.

  1. 13Garrett began his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2005.
  2. 14He moved to the Dallas Cowboys as an offensive coordinator in 2007.
  3. 15In 2008, Garrett was promoted to assistant head coach for the Cowboys.

Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys

Garrett's most notable coaching role was with the Dallas Cowboys, where he eventually became the head coach.

  1. 16In 2010, Garrett took over as the interim head coach of the Dallas Cowboys after Wade Phillips was fired.
  2. 17He led the team to a 5-3 record in the final eight games of the season.
  3. 18Garrett was officially named the eighth head coach in Dallas Cowboys history on January 6, 2011.
  4. 19He became the first former Cowboys player to hold the head coaching position.
  5. 20Garrett was also the first head coach born after the team was founded in 1960.

Coaching Achievements and Challenges

Garrett's tenure as head coach saw both significant successes and notable challenges.

  1. 21In 2014, Garrett led the Cowboys to a 12-4 record and an NFC East division title.
  2. 22The Cowboys were undefeated on the road that season, including wins over the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
  3. 23In 2016, Garrett was named the NFL Coach of the Year after guiding the Cowboys to a 13-3 record.
  4. 24Under Garrett's leadership, DeMarco Murray won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.
  5. 25Dak Prescott was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016.
  6. 26Despite regular-season success, Garrett's playoff record was 2-3.
  7. 27The Cowboys narrowly defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round in 2018 but lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

Post-Cowboys Career

After his time with the Cowboys, Garrett continued his coaching career and later transitioned to media.

  1. 28Garrett became the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2020 to 2021.
  2. 29He compiled a 9-17 record with the Giants.
  3. 30In 2022, Garrett transitioned to a media career, becoming a color commentator for NBC Sports.
  4. 31He provides regular commentary for NBC Sports' coverage of Notre Dame football.
  5. 32Garrett also serves as an alternate color commentator for the NFL on NBC.
  6. 33Additionally, he is a studio analyst for NBC's NFL pregame show Football Night in America.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Garrett has always been active in charitable work and community involvement, making a positive impact off the field.

  1. 34Garrett and his wife, Brill, founded Jason Garrett Starfish Charities in 1997.
  2. 35The foundation aims to enrich the lives of young people through a one-day football camp and leadership forum.
  3. 36The camp and forum are held annually at Princeton University in conjunction with Play It Smart, a program administered by the National Football Foundation.

Family and Personal Life

Garrett's family background and personal life have also played a significant role in shaping his career.

  1. 37Garrett's father, Jim Garrett, was a personnel scout for the Dallas Cowboys for 21 years.
  2. 38Jim Garrett served under every Super Bowl-winning head coach and ownership regime in Cowboys history.
  3. 39Jim Garrett was also an assistant coach for the New York Giants from 1970 to 1973.
  4. 40Jason Garrett's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Jason Garrett's Lasting Impact

Jason Garrett's career in football is nothing short of impressive. From his days as a backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys to his role as their head coach, Garrett has left a significant mark on the NFL. He led the Cowboys to multiple NFC East titles and earned the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2016. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork and resilience, has inspired many players and coaches alike.

After his coaching stint, Garrett transitioned to a successful media career with NBC Sports, where he continues to share his football insights. His charitable efforts, particularly through Jason Garrett Starfish Charities, highlight his commitment to giving back to the community.

Garrett's legacy in football is defined by his dedication, leadership, and passion for the game. He remains a respected figure in the football world, influencing future generations both on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams did Jason Garrett play for in the NFL?
Jason Garrett had quite the journey through the NFL, suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins. His time as a backup quarterback helped him gain insights into the game, which would later prove invaluable in his coaching career.
How long was Jason Garrett the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?
Garrett took the reins as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2010, initially as an interim before getting the job full-time. He held onto that position for a decade, making plays and calling shots until 2019.
Did Jason Garrett win any championships as a player or coach?
As a player, Garrett snagged two Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. Though he didn't clinch a Super Bowl as a head coach, his leadership qualities were always on full display.
What is Jason Garrett known for outside of football?
Outside the gridiron, Garrett's known for his sharp mind and charitable heart. He's got a degree from Princeton University, showcasing his smarts. Plus, he's heavily involved in community service, often seen lending a hand with various charitable organizations.
After leaving the Cowboys, where did Jason Garrett go?
Post-Cowboys, Garrett wasn't out of the game for long. He joined the New York Giants as their offensive coordinator, bringing his offensive playbook and expertise to the Big Apple in 2020.
What makes Jason Garrett's coaching style unique?
Garrett's coaching style is a blend of old-school discipline and modern, player-friendly approaches. He's big on communication and building relationships with his players, believing that trust and respect are key to a successful team.
Has Jason Garrett received any awards for his coaching?
Yep, Garrett's knack for leadership didn't go unnoticed. He was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year in 2016, a testament to his hard work, strategic planning, and the positive impact he had on the Cowboys' performance that season.

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