Jimmy Garoppolo has had a tough week, as the Raiders benched him for Aiden O’Connell following the team firing coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. The regime change probably marks the end of the Garoppolo era in Las Vegas, just halfway into his first season with the organization.
What makes this week even more difficult for Garoppolo is that he turns 32 years old on Thursday. Despite the quarterback getting benched and all the upheaval in Las Vegas, the Raiders posted a “Happy Birthday” message on social media for the veteran.
Join us in wishing Jimmy Garoppolo Happy Birthday!#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/48KY8lowy5
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 2, 2023
Fans and analysts recognized the awkwardness of the team wishing Garoppolo “Happy Birthday” a day after they officially benched him, leading to some creative reactions from social media.
Happy birthday, you're benched. https://t.co/JnU99Pko1t
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 2, 2023
Man is getting paid $24 million to stand on the sideline for the rest of the season
— Nico (@elitetakes_) November 2, 2023
Can’t imagine a better birthday present https://t.co/z3Pd4ohOkB
This is absolutely hilarious to post a DAY after benching him 😂 https://t.co/luFygMPdRi
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) November 2, 2023
“Happy Birthday Jimmy! Now hit the skids” https://t.co/ecZ7dHcEcb
— Matt Marchese (@Mattymar89) November 2, 2023
Some jokes write themselves https://t.co/54806ow3hK
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) November 2, 2023
Raiders: Happy Birthday Jimmy!! 🤗
— Sourdeath Sam (@SourdeathSam) November 2, 2023
Jimmy G: pic.twitter.com/QBz3ABEOfE
Great move by the organization to let him rest his legs and take the week off for his birthday!
— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) November 2, 2023
While Garoppolo will serve as the Raiders’ backup for the foreseeable future, he will still earn $45 million guaranteed thanks to his three-year contract with Las Vegas. The veteran is used to dealing with uncertainty with his playing time, coming from the 49ers last year, but getting benched the same week as his birthday is a rough blow.
