For the first three and a half years of his career, Jimmy Garoppolo was playing back up in New England to Tom Brady.Since being drafted in 2014, he only featured in 17 games for the Patriots, starting just twice in Brady's absence. But in October of last year, Garoppolo sealed a move that's already looking great for his career.

TRADE TO THE 49ERS

New England agreed to trade their backup QB to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2018 draft. 

The move was criticised by analysts across the league, who struggled to understand the Patriots logic with that - especially as TB12 is coming to the end of his career. 

And after the start Garoppolo has made in a 49ers jersey, his old team have been left even more red-faced. 

The 26-year-old joined a team that had a terrible record, winning just one game in 2017 before he was made starting QB. 

But following that decision, Garoppolo led San Fransisco to a strong finish, as they won the five remaining games while he was under center.  

GAROPPOLO IN 2018

Next season will be the first time in Garoppolo's NFL career that he will be a starting quarterback. 

It's not just 49ers fans who are excited to see how he does either - because there's been a lot of hype around him since he entered the league. 

There are a lot of people excited to finally see the golden boy unleashed and he could well prove a point to the Patriots and show why they shouldn't have traded him in 2017. 

In fact, he's already won one pre-season battle with former teammate Brady. 

JIMMY OVERTAKES TB12 IN JERSEY SALES 

For the first time in his career, Garoppolo has stepped out of Brady's shadow - and that's come with some reward. 

According to the latest figures, he's surpassed Brady in jersey sales on the NFL's official online store. 

In a list of top selling shirts from April to June, Garoppolo comes in at number two, while Tom has slipped down to fourth place. 

A number of other unproven names also make this list, including three who've only entered the NFL in this year's draft. Check out the full breakdown below.

Falling behind Garoppolo probably isn't going to bother TB12 too much, considering how long he's been on that list, but it's still interesting to note.  

Do YOU think that Jimmy Garoppolo will impress again next season in San Francisco? Have YOUR say in the comments below.