Patriots DT Vince Wilfork: Tom Brady 'knows how to handle all situations'
New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said quarterback Tom Brady will handle the Deflategate controversy "with class," according to a report from the Boston Herald.
The NFL has reportedly determined that 11 of the 12 footballs allocated to the Patriots in Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game were under-inflated by two pounds of air.
Brady addressed the controversy at a news conference on Thursday, saying that he "didn't alter the balls in any way."
On Friday, Wilfork -- who has played with Brady in New England since 2004 -- and safety Devin McCourty offered words of support for Brady.
From the report:
"Tom's a big boy,” Wilfork said. "He knows how to handle all situations. He'll handle this with class like he always does, negative or positive. That's something that makes him so great. For him to be attacked the way he did, trust me we've been attacked plenty of times, individually and as an organization. It's not our first rodeo." [...]
"I think this team understands we have a leader that there is never a question, there's never a doubt, no matter what the situation is, whether it be on the field, off the field, this team has a lot of trust in Tom,” McCourty said. “Honestly, I don't think anyone in this locker room is worried about (him), we know next Sunday we're going to get the best No. 12 that we've got all year. That's how he prepares."
The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1.
• Super Bowl XLIX Coverage Hub: Patriots vs. Seahawks
