Tom Brady on Jimmy Garoppolo: ‘I want nothing but the very best for him’
The Patriots are down to just one quarterback on their roster, after deciding to trade backup Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New England will receive a second-round draft pick in exchange for Garoppolo, who was in the middle of his fourth season with the Patriots. Shortly after the news broke, Tom Brady spoke with Westwood One’s Jim Gray about the move.
Here’s what he had to say:
What is your reaction to your backup being traded?
TB: Jimmy was a great teammate, and he’s a great friend, and he always will be. I want nothing but the very best for him. He’s earned the trust of his teammates and the respect of his teammates, and that’s all you can ask for as a player.
Do you think he will be a good starting quarterback in the NFL for the 49ers?
TB: I certainly hope so. He’s put in all the effort. I’ve watched him for three and a half years and really enjoyed working with him. Hopefully, he goes on and does a great job.
Are you surprised the Patriots have decided that you are not only the present, but are now, at age 40, also the future?
TB: Well, I don’t know what that means. This is a week-to-week league. Things change so quickly from week to week, year to year. Everyone’s concern, in my mind, is all about this season and us trying to win. I’m trying to do the best I can do for our team like I always do, and I’m going to bring it every single day, like I’ve tried to do for the last 18 years. So I’m focused on this season, and I’m sure that’s where everyone else in our organization is focused.
Who is your backup?
TB: I’m not sure. I’m not sure. But I’m sure the coaches will have that figured out here by the time we practice.
Do you think that Brian Hoyer, who now has been cut by the 49ers, might be back?
TB: I’m not sure. I really don’t know. I’ve been at home all day, learning the news at home. That’s up to everyone else to decide. My job is quarterback, and that’s what I’m focused on.
Have you spoken to Jimmy?
TB: No, I haven’t.
Are you surprised by the trade?
TB: Well, this is the time of year where we’ve been a part of a lot of trades — our team has — over the years. And again, as players, we try to show up to work every day, doing the best we can do and a lot of the things take care of themselves. When other teams want good players — whether it’s coming to our team or leaving our team — those are the types of opportunities that present themselves. They come up. Like I said, Jimmy’s been a great teammate and a great friend, and he always will be. I want nothing but the very best for him.
