Overview

• The Raiders were sharply criticized on social media for wishing Jimmy Garoppolo a happy birthday just hours after benching him in favor of rookie quarterback, Aidan O'Connell.
• Fans called the team's gesture 'cruel' and 'awkward', making numerous jokes and memes in response to the team's social media post.
• Despite being benched, Garoppolo recently signed a lucrative three-year, $72.5 million deal with the Raiders.
• The Raiders have had a poor start to the 2023 season, with a 3-5 record, leading to several significant changes including the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler.
• Since joining the Raiders, Garoppolo has had mixed performances, throwing for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and a league-leading nine interceptions in six starts, despite missing two and a half games due to injury.