49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo gets lesson on life in the spotlight after date with porn star

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo told reporters on Wednesday that the new "microscope" he's under as a full-fledged NFL frontman comes with a significant learning curve.

Last week, Garoppolo's personal life gained about as much attention as the $137.5 million contract he signed in the offseason. Garoppolo, the former Patriots backup QB, was spotted with adult-film actress Kiara Mia in Los Angeles, drawing headlines that carried over to Santa Clara for the start of 49ers training camp.

Asked about his biggest takeaway from all of the attention, Garoppolo called last week a "learning experience" that he has to take "in stride."

“Just that life is different now — my life off the field,” Garoppolo said, via The San Francisco Chronicle. “I’ve never been very big on being really public with things — even social media. I’m not out there a ton. But my life is looked at differently. I’m under a microscope."

Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the transition Garoppolo is experiencing as a face of the franchise.

“Jimmy came from a place where he saw a lot of people handle that spotlight and everything,” Shanahan said, citing Garoppolo’s four seasons backing up Tom Brady. “So I think Jimmy does have an idea.

“I think everybody has an idea of how you should handle that spotlight, but not everyone’s in that spotlight. ...You know, sometimes you have to learn how under the microscope we all are under. It’s not just the quarterback, it’s all players, (although) the quarterback definitely gets more than anyone else. But I think that’s a good learning experience for him. He’s got to know what comes with that stuff.”

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