The 2020 Super Bowl marked a pivotal moment for the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. In one of the most memorable highlights of the game, Garoppolo threw his first touchdown in a Super Bowl, solidifying his status as a significant contributor on football’s biggest stage. Though the 49ers would ultimately fall short against the Kansas City Chiefs, that touchdown pass became a defining moment of Garoppolo’s postseason performance and showcased his poise under pressure.
After working his way up from a backup to Tom Brady in New England to the starting role in San Francisco, Garoppolo had faced doubt and scrutiny. But during Super Bowl LIV, he demonstrated that he could rise to the occasion with a key touchdown pass that energized fans and boosted the team’s momentum at a crucial point in the game.
The Drive That Led to the Touchdown
Trailing slightly in the second quarter, the 49ers needed to shift the game’s momentum. Garoppolo orchestrated a balanced and effective drive, mixing short passes with well-timed play-action. The offense found rhythm as the team chewed up yards against a tough Kansas City defense led by Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu.
On a key play during the drive, Garoppolo completed a crisp pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, gaining critical yardage and moving into the red zone. A couple of runs by running back Raheem Mostert put them within striking distance, setting the stage for the dramatic score. On second down, Garoppolo dropped back, scanned the field, and threw a precise dart into the hands of fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who then powered through defenders into the end zone.
The Significance of the Touchdown
This touchdown was more than just six points on the board. It symbolized Garoppolo’s ability to manage the offense in high-pressure scenarios. It was also a demonstration of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s creative use of personnel — utilizing a fullback in a passing situation caught the Chiefs’ defense off guard.
Key moments that stood out from the touchdown drive:
- Deebo Samuel’s versatility: His dual-threat capability as a receiver and runner helped stretch the defense.
- Offensive line play: Protection gave Garoppolo the time he needed to find open receivers.
- Strategic play-calling: Shanahan used misdirection and motion to create favorable matchups.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Twitter exploded with reactions following the touchdown, with fans praising Garoppolo and Juszczyk for their execution. Many analysts applauded Shanahan for trusting his quarterback to make critical throws. Commentators noted that, though Garoppolo wasn’t known for flashy plays, his methodical approach proved effective.
ESPN analyst Steve Young, a former 49ers quarterback himself, remarked:
“That’s what you want to see from your quarterback in the Super Bowl — calm, precise execution. Jimmy G delivered exactly what the team needed on that drive.”
A Look at the Bigger Picture
Though the 49ers eventually lost 31-20, Garoppolo’s touchdown pass marked an important chapter in both his career and the team’s Super Bowl journey. It demonstrated growth, resilience, and leadership — all hallmarks of a franchise quarterback. The play was later featured in post-game highlight reels and continues to be referenced in discussions about Garoppolo’s capabilities under pressure.
For the 49ers organization, it reiterated their faith in Garoppolo as a long-term leader, reminding fans that the team had someone who could perform at a high level even in the postseason spotlight.
Looking Forward
The touchdown pass to Juszczyk wasn’t just a highlight — it became a benchmark. For Jimmy Garoppolo, it was a moment that proved he belonged. Although questions have loomed over his career path due to injuries and team decisions, that Super Bowl snapshot crystallized his potential and accuracy as a quarterback in the NFL.
Looking ahead, whether with the 49ers or another team, Garoppolo’s Super Bowl touchdown will remain a shining example of his abilities when it matters most. It’s a powerful reminder that in a game as unpredictable as football, one perfect pass can shift momentum — and etch a name into Super Bowl history.