CHARLESTON, Ill. – Jimmy Garoppolo's path to the National Football League took off between his final collegiate game in mid-December to his selection in the NFL Draft on May 9th.  Garoppolo was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2nd round as the 62nd overall pick in the draft.  He became the highest selected draft pick out of Eastern Illinois and only the fifth player ever taken in the 2nd round out of the Ohio Valley Conference. 
 
Garoppolo was one of 30 players invited to attend the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  During the week leading up to the event the 30 future NFL players took part in several events leading up to draft night.
 
On Wednesday the players took part in the NFL's Play 60 Campaign working with several area youth groups to provide a free football clinic.  The players were also treated to a quick tour of downtown Manhattan including a visit to Ground Zero.
 
On Thursday morning the players visited with children at the Mt. Sinai Children's Hospital where they played games, took pictures and signed autographs.  In the evening the NFL Draft officially kicked off with the players escorting their mother's down the red carpet into Radio City Music Hall. 
 
Following his selection on the second night of the NFL Draft, Garoppolo ran the media gauntlet talking to ESPN, the NFL Network and a host of reporters before he was able to wind down the evening with dinner that included his family and several EIU teammates that made the trip to New York.
 
Garoppolo traveled to New England on May 11 to begin his professional career in the National Football League.  Listed below are several video packages on Garoppolo's travel to the draft, his media press conference's following the draft, his first New England press conference and a special edition of Panther Sports Talk looking back on the career of the Panthers record setting quarterback.

Jimmy Garoppolo NFL Red Carpet Interview  

Jimmy Garoppolo Post NFL Draft Interview (Media Room)

Jimmy Garoppolo Post NFL Draft Interview (On Stage)

Jimmy Garoppolo New England Patriots Press 

Jimmy Garoppolo Special from Panther Sports Talk (courtesy WEIU)