The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s not star, but it’s his show
As Brady is cheered, Garoppolo prepares to lead Pats offense.
Jimmy Garoppolo spent the first two years of his NFL career in the background of the Tom Brady Show, a role as the understudy least likely to be used.
If he needed any reminder of that status, he got it Thursday when he was greeted by cheers as he walked onto the field for his third NFL training camp. Only, the applause was directed at the guy he will be replacing for the first month of the season.
“Brady! Brady! Brady!” fans bellowed as Garoppolo and teammates trotted on the field in Foxborough, Mass.
There was a moment last season when the spot Garoppolo now finds himself in nearly played itself out.
Brady had just launched a legal challenge of a four-game suspension handed down by the league for what it said was his role in a scheme to illegally deflate footballs used in the 2015 AFC title game.
Garoppolo was prepared to step in, though that evaporated a week before the regular season when the punishment was overturned in court. Brady was allowed to play while his case went through the courts.
A year later the final gavel sounded on “Deflategate” when a federal court reinstated Brady’s four-game suspension and the MVP quarterback accepted his ban.
This time Garoppolo walked onto the field knowing that barring a major development, he will make his first NFL regular-season start when the Patriots open at Arizona.
To most fans, the 24-yearold is still largely a mystery. Garoppolo has appeared in just 11 games over his first two years, completing 20 passes with one touchdown.
“That’s why we play the game,”hesaid.“Weplaytoget out there and get your opportunity, and when it comes you’ve got to be ready for it.”
Bears: The team’s top draft pick, linebacker Leonard Floyd, left practice on a cart because of the lingering effects of a stomach bug, and offensive lineman Kyle Long came up hobbling with an apparent strained calf.
Vikings: Coach Mike Zimmer received a contract extension as he opened his third camp with the team. General manager Rick Spielman did not disclose terms, but the original contract was not close to expiring.
Jets: The re-signing of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was made official less than 10 minutes before the team’s first practice. Fitzpatrick agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million guaranteed Wednesday night.
Jaguars: Running back Denard Robinson said he wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he fell asleep behind the wheel of his car that rolled through a red light and into a retention pond.
Robinson was cited for careless driving a week after the July 3 accident. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s began an investigation of officers who responded to the scene.
■ Rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey practiced for the first time since tearing cartilage in his right knee and appeared to have no issues.
Redskins: Rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson (Achilles) was among five players placed on the physically unable to perform list.
Falcons: Wide receiver Julio Jones was pulled out of practice as a precaution with an injury coach Dan Quinn described as minor. Jones showed no apparent difficulty as he walked off.
Lions: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who started 13 games last season for San Francisco, signed just before the opening of camp.
Browns: Linebacker Armonty Bryant got a suspended sentence, probation and a $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to attempted drug possession.
Etc.: The league said the Nov. 21 Monday night game in Mexico City between Oakland and Houston sold out within minutes. … Hall of Famer Warren Sapp was OK after being bitten on the arm by a shark in the Florida Keys. … Former quarterback Brett Favre will join SiriusXM NFL Radio as a host a day before being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 6. … Items belonging to former quarterback Ken Stabler, who died last year, are being made available for bidding online by Pristine Auction.