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Jimmy Garoppolo learned from the best, and there’s not really any way to dispute that. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback spent three seasons on the bench learning from Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in NFL history. Learning from the best isn’t a guarantee that one will be good, but Garoppolo is definitely finding some success for San Francisco.
On Tuesday, Tom Brady spoke on WEEI Sports Radio and talked about Garoppolo’s success.
“He’s done a great job," Brady said. "You go in there and get the opportunity to play and win games, that is what we are all here for. It was good to see and good for them to beat Jacksonville, that really helped us. I am really happy for Jimmy and he’s worked really hard. It shows up when he goes out there and plays really well.”
Garoppolo has stated multiple times that he wouldn’t be the quarterback he is today if he didn’t have his time in New England. Brady has always been complimentary of Garoppolo and his skillset, and also said he couldn’t take credit for what Garoppolo has done.
“It’s really a credit to him," Brady said. "You do what you can with the opportunities you get. I think it is 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 every time we take the field. Anytime you’re in a winning environment, that definitely helps and I think guys really enjoy that. You take what you can and use that in other places if that is where you go. Like I said, what they are doing is a credit to them. I don’t think anyone should take credit for what those guys have accomplished.”
It’s a good interview, and Brady was also asked what would have happened if the Patriots traded him instead, and kept Garoppolo. Brady wasn’t interested in speculating on that, however, and the bulk of what’s interesting is his opinion on Garoppolo’s play.
Whatever the case, Garoppolo has certainly earned a huge contract from the 49ers (or any number of teams, but almost definitely the 49ers).