Garrett Gilbert

High school career

Gilbert made his first high school start his sophomore year in the 2006 Texas Football Classic, where he led the Cavaliers to a 41-34 victory over Texas City. His performance caused Texas gridiron sportswriters to take notice, including Lone Star Gridiron's Chris Doelle who referred to Gilbert as "the best high school quarterback I have seen EVER."

Gilbert guided Lake Travis to the 2007 Texas UIL Class 4A Division II State Championship. Upon completing the 2007 season, he broke state records for completions (359), pass attempts (555) and yards (4,827).

After Lake Travis won the 2007 championship, the team's head coach, Jeff Dicus, resigned to take the head coaching position at Class 5A Duncanville High School. Chad Morris, then the head coach at Stephenville High School, became the new coach. Prior to his senior season, Gilbert learned Morris' offense.

On top of the coaching change, Gilbert had to undergo minor shoulder surgery, which took five months to recover. He was not able to lift weights during the five-month period, and instead performed rehabilitation exercises. Gilbert recovered in time to play the first game of the 2008 season.

In the 2008 season, Gilbert led Lake Travis to a perfect 16–0 record and its second straight state title. He finished the season with 4,851 passing yards for 55 touchdowns.

Gilbert completed his high school career setting a state record of 12,534 passing yards, breaking the previous mark set by Graham Harrell by two-yards. Gilbert initially was indifferent to breaking the record when he had the chance during the 2008 state title game; he only did so after his coach insisted. Gilbert finished second to Harrell for career touchdowns, completions and attempts. He led his Cavaliers to a 39–4 combined record as a starter from his sophomore through senior seasons.

Football events

Gilbert participated in ESPN RISE's 10th anniversary Elite 11 quarterback event from July 21–24. He was one of the 11 high school quarterbacks selected out of a pool of more than a thousand. The Elite 11 played against each other and received coaching from current standout college quarterbacks. An ESPN columnist pointed out that Gilbert was the most likely player from the camp to win the college football national championship.

Along with 79 other high school seniors, Gilbert played in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game on January 4, 2009. In the nationally televised matchup, Gilbert completed 11-of-22 passes for 161 yards and an interception as he guided the Black team in its 27–16 loss to the White team.

In January 2009, a Scouts Inc. reporter predicted Gilbert would win the Heisman Trophy before his collegiate senior season.

College recruitment

Gilbert verbally committed to play college football for the Texas Longhorns on February 7, 2008, the day after he received the offer in the mail. He always had aspirations to play for Texas since he was a child. During his youth, he pretended to play football for the Longhorns, passing the football to himself in his living room and diving onto the couch to catch it. When he was eight, he had the chance to play catch with then-Texas quarterback Major Applewhite, whom he considered his idol growing up. His family members were also season ticket-holders.

Gilbert was rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals.com. Alongside Matt Barkley of Mater Dei High School in California, Gilbert was the premier quarterback prospect of the class of 2009. Former college head coach Jackie Sherrill called Gilbert the best quarterback he has seen since Dan Marino.

Awards and honors

2009 season

It was at first thought that Gilbert would likely redshirt in 2009 and compete for the starting job in 2010. However, since former backup quarterback John Chiles was moved to wide receiver, Gilbert competed with Sherrod Harris for the backup job during the off-season. On August 23, 2009, Gilbert became the second-string quarterback as a true freshman, in front of the junior Harris.

In the 2009 season opener against Louisiana-Monroe, Gilbert lined up behind center during the fourth quarter and drove the Longhorns down the field, completing four-of-five passes for 46 yards, before scoring a twelve-yard rushing touchdown on a quarterback draw play to end the drive.

On January 7, 2010, in the BCS National Championship Game, Gilbert replaced the injured Colt McCoy. Gilbert completed 15-of-40 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. One analyst took the position that his stat line did not reflect how well he actually played (even though he was responsible for five turnovers – the four interceptions and a lost fumble), and that several of his passes that should have been caught were dropped. Gilbert led the Longhorns to two scoring drives in the second half to spark a comeback, bringing the score to 24–21 Alabama. However, the comeback ultimately fell short late in the game with a turnover inside the Texas five–yard line. The Longhorns lost the game 37–21.

2010 season

Gilbert was the starting quarterback during 2010 season. He led the team to a 5–7 record, Texas' first losing season since 1997. Soon after that year's bowl season, Mack Brown announced that every job was up for grabs, leaving Gilbert to compete with sophomores Case McCoy and Conner Wood, as well as freshman David Ash.

2011 season

On August 29, it was announced that Gilbert would retain the starting position in the season opener against Rice. However, on September 12, it was announced that he was being demoted to the second-string quarterback behind McCoy and Ash, who would sharing the starting position. On September 20, it was announced that Gilbert underwent successful surgery on his shoulder and was ruled out the remainder of the season.

Gilbert was granted his unconditional release from Texas on October 5, allowing him the opportunity to seek a transfer. Later that day, he was seen at Southern Methodist University (SMU), watching the football team practice. He completed his degree at Texas and transferred to SMU for the 2012 season.

2012 season

Gilbert won the starting job at SMU, where he ran June Jones' run and shoot offense. He began the season with an inconsistent performance at Baylor, throwing two interceptions in a loss.

As the season progressed, Gilbert gained confidence, completing four touchdown passes against Houston en route to a 72–42 win, a game which set the SMU record for points in a game. He had his best game of the season the following week against Memphis, throwing for 353 yards, with one touchdown in the air and another two on the ground.

2013 season

Gilbert passed for 3,528 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2013. He missed two games due to injury. He finished his college career with 9,761 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Records

St. Louis Rams

Gilbert was selected in the sixth round (214th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams. He was released during final cuts on August 29, 2014. He was signed to the Rams' practice squad on September 1, 2014. He was cut from the practice squad on October 30, 2014.

New England Patriots

On December 17, 2014, the New England Patriots signed Gilbert to their practice squad. He remained on the practice squad when the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, earning him a Super Bowl ring.

On June 11, 2015, the Patriots waived Gilbert.

Detroit Lions

After being waived by the Patriots, Gilbert was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions. He was waived on September 1, 2015.

Oakland Raiders

On September 6, 2015, Gilbert was signed to the practice squad of the Oakland Raiders. He was waived on May 24, 2016. On January 2, 2017, he was signed to the Raiders' practice squad after Matt McGloin suffered an injury in the final game of the regular season.

Carolina Panthers

On March 24, 2017, Gilbert signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was waived on September 2, 2017 and was signed to the Panthers' practice squad the next day.

Personal life

Gilbert is the son of former NFL quarterback Gale Gilbert.

Gilbert was born in Buffalo, New York, where his father played for the Bills. He moved to San Diego, California at age three, when Gale signed with the Chargers. They then moved to Austin, Texas in 1996. Garrett has one brother, Griffin, who plays football at Texas Christian University.