When Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich defended Tom Brady amid Deflategate scandal - “I stand by my quarterback”

During the 2014 AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots and Tom Brady were accused and blamed for deliberately deflating footballs during the game.

After Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson recorded a pick in the first half, he handed the ball to the Colts equipment manager, and the team noticed the ball was off.

During their investigation, NFL officials concluded that 11 of the 12 balls used by the Patriots were two pounds per square inch under the minimum amount.

As a result, the Patriots were fined $1 million, Brady was suspended for four games, the team forfeited draft picks, and the league implemented a new rule to monitor football pressure.

In an interview with the Boston Herald years ago, a former Patriots linebacker stood up for Brady.

Ninkovich said:

“Tom is a tremendous person, and there is nothing more important to him than the game itself. I don’t think Tom would ever do anything to jeopardize the integrity of the game. I stand by my quarterback, and everyone else should, too. When you’re really good for a really long time, people want to come after you."

"We all support Tom, the whole Patriots organization supports Tom and the Patriots fan base supports Tom. You can't control what everybody else says or does, you can kind of just control what you can do. For me, everybody else is focused on this season and do the best you can.”

The game ended up being a 45-7 blowout victory for the Patriots as the Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XLIX.

The New England Patriots and Tom Brady won Super Bowl XLIX after Deflategate

Super Bowl XLIX - New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks

Despite Deflategate and being caught guilty of using the wrong-sized footballs, the Patriots won the AFC Championship game and advanced to Super Bowl XLIX vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

The Patriots won the game 28-24 in dramatic fashion. As the Seahawks looked to take the lead in the final minutes of the playoffs, quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception to Malcolm Butler, who capped the Patriots' victory.

Ironically, Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP. He completed 37 out of 50 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns.

Brady served his four-game suspension during the 2016 season.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Rob Ninkovich, the Boston Herald, NESN, and H/T Sportskeeda