For three and a half years, Jimmy Garoppolo spent time on the Patriots bench, learning the ins and outs of the quarterback position from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. Now captaining a team of his own to a 4-0 start, Garoppolo’s former mentor commented on his play for the first time since Jimmy G was traded to the 49ers.
“He’s done a great job,” Tom Brady said on WEEI. “You go in there and get the opportunity to play and win games, that’s what we’re all here for. It was good to see, and good for them to beat Jacksonville [on Sunday]. That certainly helped us. I’m really happy for Jimmy. He’s worked really hard and it shows up when he goes out there and plays really well.”
Brady said that he talks to Garoppolo regularly and gives him encouragement, and that the two will always have a great relationship.
“I think it’s really a credit to him,” Brady said when asked how Jimmy G’s success reflects on the Patriots. “You do what you can with the opportunities you get. I think it’s great for any player and anyone who has been in the Patriots’ system to watch how the coaches prepare the players. There is obviously a high standard and high expectations for us any time you take the field.
“Any time you’re in a winning environment, that definitely helps, and I think guys really enjoy that. You take what you can and try to use it in other places if that’s where you go. Like I said, I think what they’re doing is a credit to them. I don’t think anyone should take credit for what those guys have accomplished.”