Bio

Jeff Garcia began his athletic career as a two-sport star in basketball and football at Gilroy High School in San Jose. In 1989, Garcia served as the starting quarterback for Gavilan College. He earned community college honorable mention All-America honors after throwing for 2,038 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman. 
Garcia then transferred to San Jose State University, where he started for three years. At San Jose State, he ranks first in school history in total offense, third all-time in passing yards, passing completions and passing efficiency. As a junior he earned UPI All-America honors. 

Garcia began his professional career in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders. He was named All-Canadian quarterback once and West Division all-star four times. In 1998, he capped off his CFL career by leading the Stampeders to a Grey Cup Championship and was named MVP of the Grey Cup.

The 49ers signed Garcia as a free agent in 1999 to backup Steve Young. He started 10 games when Young went down with an injury. Garcia continued his success in 2000, when he was named to his first Pro Bowl. In 2000, he broke the 49ers team record for most passing yards and became only the second 49er quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season.