The Los Angeles Rams’ 42-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday had emotional undertones beyond the field. While it was a statement win for the Rams, it also reignited an old rivalry that extends beyond football, this time involving Jimmy Garoppolo’s family.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Family Still Holds a Grudge Against the 49ers
The celebration turned personal when Jimmy’s younger brother, Billy Garoppolo, posted a photo from Levi’s Stadium during the game. He captioned it, “Put ’em in a body bag! RAMS HOUSE!”
The post, shared on his Instagram story, appeared to mock the 49ers’ defeat while echoing a lingering family bitterness toward the team.
Billy’s words seemed more than just playful banter. His reaction highlighted what many already suspected: the Garoppolos still hold resentment toward head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization.
This sentiment likely stems from Jimmy’s controversial departure from the 49ers in 2023 after six seasons that included a Super Bowl run but ended without a championship.
During his tenure, Jimmy G faced heavy criticism for the 49ers’ inability to get a ring. Many within the Niners Faithful and the media often blamed him for the team’s playoff shortcomings, despite his solid numbers.
Over his six-year stint from 2017 to 2022, Garoppolo went 38-17 as a starter, completing over 65 percent of his passes for 13,427 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions. He also led the league in yards per completion in 2021 and finished second in the 2019 NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting.
However, his 2022 foot injury opened the door for rookie Brock Purdy, the last pick of that year’s draft, to seize the starting role. Purdy’s impressive performance cemented his place as the franchise quarterback, effectively ending Garoppolo’s run with the 49ers.
Following his release, Garoppolo’s fortunes took a downturn. He signed a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 but managed only a 3-3 record as a starter, throwing seven touchdowns and nine interceptions before being released after one season. The 34-year-old later joined the Rams, serving as Matthew Stafford’s backup since 2024.
Although early rumors suggested he might start this season when Stafford dealt with back issues, that scenario never materialized. Garoppolo has yet to appear in a game this year. His last start came in the final week of the 2024 regular season against the Seattle Seahawks, where he completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Billy Garoppolo’s recent post may have been short, but its message was unmistakable. It reflected the frustration of a family that believes Jimmy’s time with the 49ers ended unfairly. And after Sunday’s blowout, the Garoppolos finally got a symbolic win, even if Jimmy himself wasn’t on the field.
