AHeights' Jimmy Garoppolo Signs With Michael Jordan's Brand

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Arlington Heights native Jimmy Garoppolo was only 6 when Michael Jordan, then 35, won his last NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. Despite his young age at the time, Garoppolo idolized Jordan, so when he had the chance years later to join his early sports hero's team, so to speak, the Rolling Meadows High School grad jumped at it.

Garoppolo, 26, told ESPN this week that he signed over the summer with Jordan Brand, the umbrella label for the NBA legend's line of shoes and other sports gear. The endorsement deal — Garoppolo called it "one of his dreams" — bridges two very different generations of pro athletes with strong Chicago-area ties.

"I was pretty young, but even when they were winning those championships, I can remember staying up with my three brothers, mom and dad — we'd all be in the living room watching it," Garoppolo told ESPN. "It was so exciting. Ever since I was a little kid, he's been my favorite athlete, so it's pretty cool to be part of his brand now."

Before signing with the Jordan Brand, Garoppolo also considered deals from Under Armour and Adidas, the report stated. An official announcement is expected next week ahead of the 49ers' 2018 season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 9.

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Garoppolo — who has deals with Bose and New Era — joins a brand that also includes Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and, of course, Jordan. NFL defensive backs Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks) and Jalen Ramsey (Jacksonville Jaguars) also are signed to the label, and more players from the league are expected to be announced with the Garoppolo deal.

The New England Patriots drafted Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 draft. He was traded to San Francisco in October 2017, and in February of this year, the team signed him to a five-year, $137.5 million contract.

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Garoppolo is undefeated (7-0) as a starter for both the Pats and the 49ers. He has a 99.7 career passer rating during his time as a pro, completing 67.3 percent of his passes and throwing 12 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

He also has led his team to more points per game — 28.3 — than any other quarterback who has started at least seven games in the past 25 seasons, according to NFL Research. The player who previously held that distinction? Tom Brady, the quarterback Garoppolo had been playing behind before being traded to the 49ers.

Arlington Heights native and San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson | Getty Images)