As the Las Vegas Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo enters his tenth season, a lot has changed, but a lot stays the same. There's a lot that's new, like adjusting to the new Las Vegas environment, his teammates and his playbook. But there is a familiarity with head coach Josh McDaniels, who was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots during Garoppolo's first three years there.
Jimmy G, currently fifth in passer ratings among active quarterbacks, will look to help the Raiders make a splash in the struggling AFC West but is looking forward to the challenge. While taking a break from filming an upcoming spot with TravisMathew, Garoppolo spoke to M&F about some of his favorite accessories, including his favorite gear, Big League Chew, and a peek at some of his game-day trinkets.
TravisMathew gear
I literally wear TravisMathew every day. I wear the Cloud collection at night while studying the playbook. The partnership was really a matter of course. I'm not just saying this to boost the brand, the relationship came naturally, which made it easy for me. I just had to incorporate it into the training routine and the Raiders were very cool with it. It was great and I love these guys.
I thought I knew a lot about the fabrics and how soft they are, but I spoke to the people behind the scenes and how they travel to Peru to find these different materials for the clothes. I really appreciate that because the devil is in the details and that's what defines clothing brands - how they feel and how they fit your body. This is what TravisMathew is so good at and that's why our partnership has made it so easy. It should be like this.
Jimmy Garoppolo
The TravisMathew Collection: At travismathew.com
The Heater Snapback Hat: $40
The Coastview Active Short: $80
The Scenic Vista Active Tee: $60
The Cloud Hoodie: $150
Hyperice Hypervolt GO
Courtesy of hyperice.com
I use it literally every day. It helps stimulate blood flow and wake up muscles and tendons.
Buy Hypervolt GO: $129 at hyperice.com
5-hour energy extra strong
It's mostly a game day thing and sometimes it's for practice here and there. These games are intense and you have to be ready. You have to be ready for 17 of these things. You have to use every advantage you can get and this is one of them for me.
Big League Chew
snackshop.com
My brothers have a long stash of this stuff. It's one of those things where we play a no-brainer. You have to keep in mind that you're supposed to be out there having fun. The Big League Chew brings me back to the childish mindset every once in a while.
Buy Big League Chew, $15.15 (12-pack), at kiosk
Lacrosse Ball
wolverinesports.com
This is just for my muscles, mainly my feet. This surgery only helps to relax the muscles on the bottom of your feet and in the arches of your feet. It's been important to me lately.
Shop Lacrosse Practice Ball for $1.75 at Wolverine Sports
It's jewelry for Jimmy Garoppolo
Game day jewelry is important to me. You look good, you feel good. Feel good, play good. I am firmly convinced of that. You need to match the wrist to the necklace. I've always been a reserved jewelry guy. I don't like being conspicuous. As I said before, the devil is in the details. I like the finer things, but in a reserved way.
Jimmy Garoppolo needs his Beats Studio Buds
Courtesy of BEATS
These are for practice and game day, I'm old fashioned. 50 cent is my boy and I love 50 cent on game days. I get a lot of excitement in the dressing room for that, but I also listen to Lil Wayne, Jay-Z — lots of Jay-Z. Rick Ross too and every now and then I throw in some AC/DC. It's a pretty good mix.
Shop Beats Studio Buds for $150 beatsbydre.com
The right stuff
shop.therightstuff-usa.com
It wasn't until my fourth year in the league that I really got into hydration. I remember seeing Tom [Brady] with the electrolytes and he would always drink those things. As a young player you don't think you need it and you can do without it. As you get older in this game, you need every little advantage.
Buy the right thing: $28 (bag of 10), at The right stuff
