Garoppolo — you heard it here first.

Before the big-time Chicago reporters were asking Eastern quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo how to pronounce his last name, the enunciation of it was made famous for four years in Charleston.

The Eastern football team reveled in its small town with its big kid quarterback at the helm.

Garoppolo, under former coach Dino Babers, led the Panthers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference titles, their first postseason win in more than two decades and the No. 1 offense in the country.

Meanwhile, Garoppolo had a few individual accomplishments to show for himself, too: try the No. 1 spot in nearly every passing statistic among Eastern’s and the OVC’s all-time list.

Oh, yeah, and the 2013 Walter Payton Award, given to the best football player at the FCS level.

And now, he is seen “Stealing the show” in the Sun-Times or “Gathering believers” in the Tribune.

But long before that, Garoppolo was in The Daily Eastern News where he was heralded as “Perfect 10,” or “Dime piece,” or “Jimmy Football.”

On Eastern’s campus is where such praise for Garoppolo originated, where he became seemingly as iconic as the castle that is Old Main and launching his stardom to unrecognizable heights.

Still, even with all the major media outlets drooling over Garoppolo, the thing they will find hardest to believe is that there is even more to marvel as he soaks up more of the spotlight.

For instance, Garoppolo’s modesty. Perhaps his modesty is the best part.

Past all of the accolades and records it is Garoppolo’s family values that are among what resonated the most for him off the field at Eastern.

“When I was a little kid, my parents always stressed to never be arrogant,” the Rolling Meadows product said. “No one ever wants to be around an arrogant person. I really have to be thankful. Everything I have is really a blessing.”

While little-old Eastern will seemingly become obsolete to most people north come this time next year, it will still remain just as valuable to Garoppolo as the day he arrived.

And Eastern will remain equally as grateful, if not more, for the four years Garoppolo spent as a Panther.

Because of Garoppolo, Eastern’s football program is as relevant as it ever has been; at least since the years Tony Romo was quarterbacking the Panthers.

So remember, Garoppolo started here first. Eastern won’t forget it; he won’t forget it and neither should you.

Anthony Catezone can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].