Garcia: Have Howie give me a call
At 42 years old, Jeff Garcia isn't quite ready to call it a career.
Garcia: Have Howie give me a call
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Jeff Garcia wouldn't mind a third stint with the Eagles. (Yong Kim / Staff File Photo)
At 42 years old, Jeff Garcia isn't quite ready to call it a career.
And he wouldn't mind a third stint with Andy Reid and the Eagles.
Speaking to 94 WIP's Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow, Garcia said he's in the best shape of his life and will be ready if a team calls.
"Philly's the team my wife will let me go back and play for," he said. "She's the only one that will approve the move, so to speak. Our experience there in Philadelphia in 2006 was just, for me as a player, one of the best experiences that I've had."
The Texans signed Garcia last December, but the last time he threw a pass in the NFL was in 2008 as the starter for the Bucs. The Eagles signed him during the 2009 season as a backup, but Garcia only appeared in one game.
"Could I step into a game? I don't know," Garcia said. "I mean, it's been a couple years, you know. But hey, Houston called me last year at the end of the season, brought me in because they wanted some help around their young guy. I can be that guy. I can be that person who can continue to motivate and inspire and help teach and educate, and if given the opportunity to step on the field, I'm gonna give everything I have to find success, no matter how it happens."
Back in 2006, Garcia led the Eagles on a six-game winning streak, including a playoff victory over the Giants, before the Birds fell to the Saints in the divisional round. He threw 12 touchdowns and two interceptions during that span. If Reid calls, Garcia said he'd definitely be interested in returning.
"Absolutely, man, I'm picking up the phone," Garcia said. "I'm gonna say, 'How much do you want me to pay you Andy so I can come in and get things fired up around there?' I'd pay to play. That's just me. I'm just that kind of guy. I love the game.
"If the writing's on the wall, the writing's on the wall. ...I'm 42 years old. I'm not expecting any calls, but if the call comes, I know I'm physically and mentally ready and capable."
While Garcia's playing days are probably over, as I've written before, the Eagles' backup quarterback situation is likely the biggest concern on the team. Mike Kafka has attempted 16 career passes, and Trent Edwards was out of the league last year. Rookie Nick Foles will be slated as the No. 3 guy.
By not signing anyone else, Reid is signaling that he believes Kafka can get the job done. And maybe he can. But the position is still a major question mark.
Going forward, the only way the Eagles would sign a quarterback is if they believe the new guy is absolutely a better option than Kafka. Michael Vick and Foles have the one and three spots locked down, so if the Eagles were to add another quarterback, they would almost certainly let Kafka go. That seems like an unlikely scenario at this point, although Garcia would be in favor of it.
"Just have Howie Roseman give me a call, and I'll be more than happy to answer that one," he said. "You have Michael Vick and you have the drafted kid out of Arizona, and then you have me. You don't need anybody else."
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Buy 2012 Philadelphia Eagles game tickets Comments (56)
I LOVED watching Garcia jumping around, smacking lineman more than twice his size across the helmet...come on back Jeff. He's worth a look, and if is brought in and has anything left to give, I'd feel much better about the back up situation.— JTR
Comment removed.- Garcia will be back....as a coaching intern someday. You can take that to the bank.— soulman386
- Even at 42 he'd prob be the best QB on the team.— Sidewinder7
- The three backups on this team are worthless.— SilliBilli
-JTR You are a true fan my man, I like your enthusiasm. I don't honestly think there's any chance they would sign it but I'd much rather see him play than anyone else on the roster should Vick go down. Let's face it, if he goes down more than three games our season is probably finished. I truly think Garcia gives us a better shot than Edwards, Kafka or the rookie this season.- If he did come back momma McNabb can just be bitter this time around— MDbirdsfan89
- Garcia was an embodiment of what Eagles fans love. Intensity, excitement, and pure love of the game. Not to mention he won, which we Philly fans always love.
I personally would feel comfortable with him being the number 2 guy behind Vick. That, and I'd love to have him around to groom Foles and show him how a quarterback is supposed to act. BTW, that isn't a hit on Vick, I just mean someone who has the time to show Foles the ropes. And he already knows the system and has been successful in it. Bring him back Howie, it's not like Edwards or Kafka is that good anyway. Get a draft pick for Kafka.— Joe Redden - Comment removed.
- @Judge - if we had a backup capable of managing the game, which would allow the birds to tread water the season wouldn't necessarily be lost if Vick went down for a handful of games...that statement of course would depend on their record when he went down, what type of teams we had to play without him, the growth of the defense, etc.
Point being, though, is that I don't know if we have that QB on the roster that can manage a game and give us a chance to win...we at least don't have one that we can say that about for sure— JTR - Put him on the practice squad.— P Even
Maybe since the Eagles are hiring they can hire Garcia to be the executive assistant to the QB coach.
That's a joke, before people start calling me a koolaide drinker, toadie, moron or idiot. LOL- P even, he's a 12 year NFL vet, he isn't eligible for the practice squad.— regassert6
- If Vick fractures his fibula or cracks his coccyx, then Garcia will get a call for emergency backup. Wonder what Donny would think.— tommy_the_k
- Why? Why would you write this article for any other reason besides to stir the pot? The pot in Philly is full of idiots, the same idiots that claim AR and the entire brass of the organization should be let go. Do you realize how easy it is to stir up those idiots? This is not a reasonable solution to our QB depth. The guy is 42 years old, I'd rather have Kafka back there. You are all insane for even considering that Garcia is "worth it." Get out of here, seriously. If you believe that Garcia is better Kafka/Edwards/Foles, it's time to stop watching sports and go put on a dress. He MIGHT be better than Foles overall, only because he has so much more knowledge, but the other two dominate him athletically. Kafka is much more familiar with our offense than Garcia.
I'm not shocked that the same people who constantly put this FO and team down are also rooting to bring back Garcia. It just solidifies my belief in how wrong and stupid you are. I'm sorry, but Jeff Garcia does not deserve a shot on the fastest offense in football.
Lastly, Kafka will be a fine backup. If you are familiar with our system, you will thrive as a QB. Look at all the fool's gold we sold in AJ Feely, Kolb, and McNabb. Look at how good Koy Detmer did in our offense. Guys step in with our offense and do a great job frequently. The only real exception is Vince Young. Garcia was one of those QBs, but that was seven years ago.— StewBrad36 - ur right stew come on Sheil you're much better than this do some real work a 42 year old qb give me a break try to remember how important b-west was to that winning streak and the defense stop living in the past ...— positive eagle
- This stiff needs to sign with Arizona. They don't have a QB.— Astro Jones
- He might be great as a coach but what could you expect from him on the field at this point? McNabb would be the best option on the street right now. He already knows the offense like the back of his hand and is more talented than Kafka. You just can't bring him in though because of all of the ancillary issues it would create.— hillbillybirdsfan
- He would be worth it just to see his wife in the stands!!!— Luriesucks
- They aren't cutting Foles and they aren't keeping three quarterbacks. If the coaches think that at this point Kafka is a better backup than a 42 year old Garcia then I'm inclined to trust them. Garcia would obviously be a short term solution, where if Kafka can put up a few good games if Vick gets injured (as many other Eagles backups have done in the past) then he has trade potential.
Go back and take a look at we we ended up getting for Kolb. Or go back further and look at what we got for Feeley. Why would we give up the chance of making a similar deal for Kafka in the future to take a chance that Garcia still has something left?
Any QB can perform adequately for a few games before other teams get tape on them. I find it hard to believe that Gracia would be much of an upgrade over Kafka for a few games, and neither of them is taking us deep in the playoffs if Vick goes down for the year.— bc3030 - * Typo: I meant they aren't keeping MORE than three quarterbacks. — bc3030
- By far the best on field leader the Eagles have had in the last 40 years....the best QB to run the WCO to perfection....that being said, he only gets signed if every other QB on the roster ends up in a body cast......— Mark1npt
- 42 and has not played since 2008. Pass.— zeke128
- please— peteike
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- Bring him in a see for your self. He's in the best shape of his life. Which means he can still make the throws so if Vick goes down mid season Garcia has enough in the tank to take us to the playoffs! Something Vick couldnt do last season. I really like Garcia and i hope he's keeping himself ready to go. If history repeats itself Garcia or Mcnabb may get that call. Why even bring in Trent Edwards? I really dont understand the eagles. Gracia could have been in camp now getting those reps in.— Yes_General
- You can say that again.— Jerome99RIP
- I'd take him back on the team in a heartbeat. He made a believer out of me with his quick decisions, and his grit.— hallux
- Agree with robynk - Vick, Foles, Garcia.
— Richard Saunders - Oh, and Mrs. Garcia.— Richard Saunders
- Give him a chance. He never got a fare chance to compete for the starting QB spot the following year after leading the Birds to the playoffs, even though Reid says he likes competition. So he went to Tampa and took them to the playoffs, as the Eagles stayed home. Funny that Houston called for him last year, but not old # 5.— watsonmr
- Won't happen. Kafka and Foles have trade value, even if it's for a 6th round pick. Garcia doesn't.— EmanuelP
- Give him a shot you gave a felon dog killer a shot!!— chesterfield
- 42? Garcia obviously took too many shots in his career; Kafka will do just fine, thanks.— JBinPA
- If we have to talk about backup quarterbacks (I don't think we need to to, I think Vick will hold up the entire season) I think we should take a look at Garcia. In 06, he did the unthinkable leading us to an NFC east championship in stunning fashion. We were in one scoring drive of an NFC Championship game. Edwards is inaccurate, slow and the definition of a backup. At least Garcia would have the backing of the fans. You never know what could happen.— DonovanMcNabb
- Garcia over CONvick anyday.— sackvicknow
- How slow must the news be right now if we're talking about Jeff Garcia?
— SteveS11 - He could be a positive influence on Vick. Garcia and Vick have similar styles of play at QB. Of course, Garcia is slower and not near the arm of Vick, but they both can make plays with their feet and arms outside of the pocket. The difference is that Garcia rarely made mistakes while scrambling with the ball. Maybe with the “other #7″ around, that could help Vick?— SilliBilli
- He would bea much better option than Trent Edwards
- Hey Stew, there probably a few thousand female fans out there that aren't happy about the "wear a dress" comment, just sayin'...— DJ
- GARCIA WOULD BE GREAT,NO DOUBT.ANYONE WOULD BE BETTER THAN SAY,"VINCE YOUNG".I WOULD TAKE STEVIE WONDER OVER VINCE YOUNG.SERIOUSLY.— knicknasty
- The only way the Eagles would sign Garcia would be if Ruben Amaro became the GM. He likes those old guys!— Phillip Phan
- Give him another shot, .......a shot of geritol!— Phillip Phan
- Let's see, slow news day, what to write about? How about Jeff Garcia, a popular guy, who has four years of rust on his arms and leg.— armchairGM
- Call me crazy but I'm nit comfortable with the back up QB situation. Not many options out there but one name comes to mind.......#5....McNabb. He knows the system and personnel. He has his shortcomings but I would rather see him than Kafka, Edwards or the new kid!
— komplex2005 - Bring Garcia and his hot wife back. After vick goes down, and Garcia plays well in a win, call McNabb's mom to see if she's bittersweet about his play.— Tyrone Biggums
- Maybe the Eagles could sign Charles Barkley to play QB...he has lost a ton of weight and looks like a TV in a dress— sedale
- And while we're at it let's see if Randall Cunningham isn't doing anything— garyv
- Does anyone else remember Stallworth getting open all game against the Saints in the playoffs and Garcia not being able to reach him? He had a great run but that was 6 YEARS AGO! I'd be surprised if he could throw 25 yards in the air. Non-story— JayOfDaJungle
- Kafka just needs time to play,as does Foles.We might just need them this year.Once again,our quarterbacks don't have to carry the team,just manage it.With all the talent,if everyone does their job the team will consistently win...with or without Vick.— greenbloodVAEagle
- Please call plaxico before the Giants do— Yes_General
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Sheil Kapadia is in his fifth season writing about the Eagles and the NFL for philly.com. His earliest
memories as a sports fan include several trips to Veterans Stadium with
his Dad. He's not a beat writer or an Insider, but is here to
discuss the NFL 365 days a year. E-mail him at skapadia@philly.com or
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