Jason Garrett: A Gridiron Journey
An academic examination of his career trajectory from collegiate athlete to NFL coach and media analyst.
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Biographical Sketch
Personal Details
Jason Calvin Garrett was born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania. He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. His career spans playing, coaching, and broadcasting within the National Football League (NFL).
He attended University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, before pursuing higher education.
Educational Foundation
Garrett matriculated at Princeton University, where he initially played quarterback for the freshman team. He later transferred to Columbia University when his father, Jim Garrett, became head coach. Following his father's departure, Jason transferred back to Princeton. He earned a degree in History in 1989, completing a senior thesis on "The Revolt of the Black Athlete as Initiated by Harry Edwards."
Collegiate Achievements
At Princeton, Garrett demonstrated significant statistical prowess. He holds the Ivy League career record for completion percentage (66.5%) and set numerous school records for passing yards and completions. His performance earned him the Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Player of the Year.
College Career Analysis
Statistical Performance
Garrett's collegiate statistics showcase his capabilities as a passer. He completed 366 of 550 passes for 4,274 yards and 20 touchdowns. His career completion percentage of 66.5% was a league record at the time, and his 1988 season completion percentage of 68.2% also stood as a league benchmark.
Family Ties in Football
The Garrett family has deep roots in football. Jason's father, Jim Garrett, had a notable career as a coach and scout. His brothers, John and Judd Garrett, also played professionally, with Judd achieving All-WLAF honors. This familial connection provided a strong foundation for Jason's own journey in the sport.
Professional Playing Career
NFL Entry and Early Years
Undrafted in 1989, Garrett signed with the New Orleans Saints, spending time on their practice squad. He later played in the World League of American Football for the San Antonio Riders and briefly in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Rough Riders before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 1992.
Dallas Cowboys Tenure
Garrett served as a backup quarterback for the Cowboys, notably winning three Super Bowls (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) behind Troy Aikman. His most memorable performance was a comeback victory on Thanksgiving Day 1994, where he threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Later NFL Experience
Following his initial stint with the Cowboys, Garrett played for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins, primarily in backup roles. His playing career concluded after the 2004 season.
Coaching Career Trajectory
Coaching Beginnings
Garrett transitioned into coaching shortly after retiring as a player. He began as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2005 under Nick Saban. His coaching acumen quickly became apparent.
Offensive Coordinator
In 2007, Garrett was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. He was instrumental in developing one of the league's top offenses in 2007, leading to a 13-3 record and significant head coaching interest from other NFL franchises.
Head Coaching Role
Garrett was named interim head coach of the Cowboys in November 2010 and officially appointed head coach in January 2011. He led the team for nearly a decade, achieving a 85-67 regular-season record and a 2-3 playoff record. Key achievements included three NFC East division titles and an NFL Coach of the Year award in 2016.
Post-Cowboys Coaching
After his tenure with the Cowboys concluded in 2019, Garrett served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2020 to 2021. He also interviewed for collegiate head coaching positions, notably at Duke University.
Transition to Broadcasting
Media Analyst Role
In 2022, Garrett embarked on a career in sports broadcasting. He joined NBC Sports as an analyst for the United States Football League (USFL) and became a key voice for Notre Dame football coverage.
NFL Commentary
Garrett also contributes to NBC's NFL pregame show, Football Night in America, providing studio analysis. His transition reflects a successful pivot from active participation in the sport to insightful commentary and analysis.
Coaching Record Summary
Regular Season Performance
Garrett's regular season coaching record stands at 85 wins and 67 losses (.559 winning percentage). He led the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times, securing division titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Postseason Record
In postseason play, Garrett's teams compiled a record of 2 wins and 3 losses (.400 winning percentage). His playoff appearances included victories in the Wild Card round, though the team was eliminated in the Divisional Round on each occasion.
Career Totals
Overall, Garrett's combined regular and postseason record as a head coach is 87 wins and 70 losses (.554 winning percentage). His tenure with the Cowboys was the second longest in franchise history, following only Tom Landry.
| Head Coaching Record | |
|---|---|
| Regular Season | 85โ67 (.559) |
| Postseason | 2โ3 (.400) |
| Career | 87โ70 (.554) |
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been synthesized by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
This is not professional sports or career advice. The information presented should not substitute consultation with qualified sports analysts, coaches, or career counselors. Always verify information with primary sources and professional guidance.
The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.