Blue Banner Biographies

For Jared Goff, throwing a football was always easy. He was so good at it that he became the first true freshman starting quarterback in University of California Berkeley history. But when he became a pro football player in 2016, it suddenly wasn't as easy. In his first year with the Los Angeles Rams, the team lost all seven games he started. Jared didn't give up. He didn't blame others. He just worked harder while never forgetting how to have fun. It all paid off as the Rams had a winning record in his second season. The future looks very bright for this gifted young quarterback.

Charlie Puth did not grow up dreaming of being a pop star. Instead, he wanted to do what he loved most: write music. This young man who learned to play the piano at the age of four, had a clear talent for writing and composing, which led him to study jazz and classical music during his school years. He later earned a degree in music production and engineering. After graduating from the Berklee School of Music, he thought he would make his living helping others record music, but an invitation to record a song he had written for Wiz Khalifa with the rap artist changed all that. Today Charlie is one of the country's most popular pop performers.

Carson Wentz learned to be patient. In high school, his older brother was the starting quarterback. Carson didn't get to start until his senior year. At North Dakota State University, he waited three years before starting for the Bison. Yet all that waiting helped. He spent the time learning to lead. He trained and reviewed plays. In practice, he became the toughest quarterback the Bison faced. When Carson became a quarterback for the Eagles he no longer had to wait. He became a starter right away. And Eagles' fans only had to wait one year for their team to win its first-ever Super Bowl.

For Jared Goff, throwing a football was always easy. He was so good at it that he became the first true freshman starting quarterback in University of California Berkeley history. But when he became a pro football player in 2016, it suddenly wasn't as easy. In his first year with the Los Angeles Rams, the team lost all seven games he started. Jared didn't give up. He didn't blame others. He just worked harder while never forgetting how to have fun. It all paid off as the Rams had a winning record in his second season. The future looks very bright for this gifted young quarterback.

Jimmy Garoppolo started playing football when he was in sixth grade. At age 12 he was 6'2", and one of the biggest, strongest players. He played as a running back until coaches spotted his ability to throw. When Jimmy started playing quarterback, everything changed. He dominated the field in high school and college before being drafted by the New England Patriots. As Tom Brady's backup, he learned from the legendary quarterback. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, he became a starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo wins fans by working to be a star on and off the field-helping others and his team to be their best.

Joel Embiid grew up in Cameroon-an African country with only two basketball courts. He didn't play basketball until he was 15 years old. Soon after, he left home to follow his unlikely dream of playing professional basketball half a world away. Today, Embiid is an NBA star with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 7'0" tall, he dominates as one of the NBA's best "big men." His journey to the NBA wasn't easy. He suffered injuries and personal losses along the way. Those difficulties helped Joel Embiid become a star off the court too-helping and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Carson Wentz learned to be patient. In high school, his older brother was the starting quarterback. Carson didn't get to start until his senior year. At North Dakota State University, he waited three years before starting for the Bison. Yet all that waiting helped. He spent the time learning to lead. He trained and reviewed plays. In practice, he became the toughest quarterback the Bison faced. When Carson became a quarterback for the Eagles he no longer had to wait. He became a starter right away. And Eagles' fans only had to wait one year for their team to win its first-ever Super Bowl.

Sam Darnold was born into a family that loves sports, and Sam began playing football when he was just six years old. He shattered records and gained recognition as a quarterback at both San Clemente High School and the University of Southern California. But Sam had always dreamed of "going pro" and playing for an NFL team. When the New York Jets drafted him at number 3 in the first round of the 2018 draft, Sam's dream came true. Now Sam is working towards another goal: taking the Jets all the way to the Super Bowl-and winning!

Sam Darnold was born into a family that loves sports, and Sam began playing football when he was just six years old. He shattered records and gained recognition as a quarterback at both San Clemente High School and the University of Southern California. But Sam had always dreamed of "going pro" and playing for an NFL team. When the New York Jets drafted him at number 3 in the first round of the 2018 draft, Sam's dream came true. Now Sam is working towards another goal: taking the Jets all the way to the Super Bowl-and winning!

Charlie Puth did not grow up dreaming of being a pop star. Instead, he wanted to do what he loved most: write music. This young man who learned to play the piano at the age of four, had a clear talent for writing and composing, which led him to study jazz and classical music during his school years. He later earned a degree in music production and engineering. After graduating from the Berklee School of Music, he thought he would make his living helping others record music, but an invitation to record a song he had written for Wiz Khalifa with the rap artist changed all that. Today Charlie is one of the country's most popular pop performers.

Joel Embiid grew up in Cameroon-an African country with only two basketball courts. He didn't play basketball until he was 15 years old. Soon after, he left home to follow his unlikely dream of playing professional basketball half a world away. Today, Embiid is an NBA star with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 7'0" tall, he dominates as one of the NBA's best "big men." His journey to the NBA wasn't easy. He suffered injuries and personal losses along the way. Those difficulties helped Joel Embiid become a star off the court too-helping and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Jimmy Garoppolo started playing football when he was in sixth grade. At age 12 he was 6'2", and one of the biggest, strongest players. He played as a running back until coaches spotted his ability to throw. When Jimmy started playing quarterback, everything changed. He dominated the field in high school and college before being drafted by the New England Patriots. As Tom Brady's backup, he learned from the legendary quarterback. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, he became a starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo wins fans by working to be a star on and off the field-helping others and his team to be their best.