Jason Garrett's journey in professional football is marked by his roles as both a player and a coach. Born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania, Garrett grew up in a football-oriented family. His father, Jim Garrett, was a long-time coach and scout in the NFL, which undoubtedly influenced Jason's path in the sport.
Garrett attended Princeton University, where he played quarterback for the Tigers. His college career was impressive enough to earn him a spot in the NFL, although he went undrafted in 1989. He initially signed with the New Orleans Saints but did not see any playing time. Garrett's persistence led him to the World League of American Football, where he played for the San Antonio Riders, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
In 1993, Garrett's NFL playing career took a significant turn when he joined the Dallas Cowboys as a backup quarterback. During his time with the Cowboys, Garrett was part of a team that won two Super Bowl titles (XXVIII and XXX). Although he primarily served as a backup to Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, Garrett had moments where he stepped into the spotlight. One of his most memorable performances came on Thanksgiving Day in 1994, when he led the Cowboys to a comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns.
Garrett's playing career with the Cowboys lasted until 1999. He then spent time with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins, primarily in backup roles. His playing career concluded in 2004, but his time on the field laid the groundwork for his transition into coaching.
In 2005, Garrett began his coaching career with the Miami Dolphins as the quarterbacks coach. His understanding of the game and ability to mentor players quickly became evident. In 2007, he returned to the Dallas Cowboys, this time as the offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Cowboys' offense flourished, and Garrett's reputation as a coach grew.
Garrett's coaching acumen led to his appointment as the Cowboys' interim head coach midway through the 2010 season, following the dismissal of Wade Phillips. He was named the permanent head coach in 2011. Over the next decade, Garrett led the Cowboys through a series of ups and downs. His tenure was marked by three NFC East division titles (2014, 2016, and 2018) and multiple playoff appearances. However, the team struggled to achieve consistent postseason success, which was a point of contention among fans and analysts.
In January 2020, Garrett's time as head coach of the Cowboys came to an end.
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