4 things to know about Washington QB Garrett Gilbert before his start against the Eagles
Garrett Gilbert will start at quarterback for the Washington Football Team on Tuesday night against the Eagles after neither Taylor Heinicke nor Kyle Allen was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Washington also elevated Kyle Shurmur off the practice squad to serve as the backup to Gilbert, who was signed by Washington off New England’s practice squad.
With Gilbert set to make his second-year start under huge expectations, here are five things to know about Washington’s starter for Tuesday.
1. Record-setting Texas High School Career
Dec 30, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Garrett Gilbert (3) looks to throw in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Gilbert attended Lake Travis High School, where he broke state records for completions (359), pass attempts (555), and yards (4,827) back in 2007.
After Lake Travis won the 2007 championship, Gilbert would go on to play under legendary high school Chad Morris, who eventually moved on to SMU.
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.
Upon completion of his high school career, Gilbert set a state record of 12,534 passing yards, breaking the previous mark set by former Texas Tech star, Graham Harrell by two yards. Gilbert finished second to Harrell for career touchdowns, completions, and attempts in Texas State history.
2. Gilbert in college
Nov 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Garrett Gilbert (11) throws a pass against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half on an NCAA football game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
A five-star recruit that was heavily rated on par with Mark Barkley, Gilbert was rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals.com, as he was the premier quarterback prospect of the class of 2009. Former Miss. State head coach Jackie Sherrill called Gilbert the best quarterback he has seen since Dan Marino.
Gilbert committed to Texas, and after earning the backup job as a freshman, Gilbert saw action in the 2010 BCS title game against Alabama, replacing an injured Colt McCoy.
The Longhorns lost the game 37–21.
In 2011, Gilbert transferred to SMU, where he played under June Jones.
Gilbert finished the 2012 season with 2,932 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
In the 2013 season after totally grasping Jones’s system, Gilbert passed for 3,528 yards and 21 touchdowns, finishing his college career with 9,761 yards and 49 touchdowns.
3. NFL
Dec 1, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Garrett Gilbert (3) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Gilbert was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round (214th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was released during final cuts and was signed to the Rams’ practice squad on September 1, 2014.
Gilbert has spent time with the Patriots, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, Browns, Cowboys and now Washington.
4. Personal life
New England Patriots quarterback Garrett Gilbert (14) gestures during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Gilbert is the son of former NFL quarterback Gale Gilbert.
Born in Buffalo, New York, where his father played for the Bills in the early 1990s, Gale Gilbert was a member of those Buffalo teams that lost four straight Super Bowls.
The family later moved to Austin, Texas in 1996. Garrett has one brother, Griffin, who played football at Texas Christian University.
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