Tom Brady lauds Gisele Bundchen's Rio strut, Jimmy Garoppolo's play

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been focused on the team's training camp, but he made sure to carve out time to watch opening ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympics as his wife, Gisele Bundchen, was a featured part of the festivities.

"It was amazing to see her out there and do that, it was the best part of the Olympics for me," Brady said after the team's Sunday afternoon practice. "She's an amazing woman, an amazing mother, and she represents the best of Brazil as far as I'm concerned. It was an amazing spectacle and she's an amazing person."

Brady returned to the team after Thursday's preseason opener against the New Orleans, as he had an excused absence from the game to attend memorial services for a family member.

Third-year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo started in his place, going 11 of 18 for 168 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. Brady complimented his understudy.

"He works his tail off to prepare and I know he has the respect of everybody," Brady said. "I think that's what you always do - try to come out here and earn the respect of your teammates and your coaches. You have to put the work in, you have to show you're willing to show up every day and do whatever it takes to get the job done.

"It's been fun to see his development. We got off to a good start the other night and hopefully we keep it going; we have three days of practice coming up against the Bears that will be good preparation for our team. We have to use them really well."

Sunday marked the team's first practice since the preseason opener, and it was held in hot, humid conditions that challenged Brady and his teammates.

"A couple days off, we've been off our feet and you try to get back into it, and your body is not quite ready," he said of conditioning in the heat. ""You just have to fight through it the best you can."

Brady's post-practice interview with reporters lasted a little less than five minutes, as it marked the second time he's answered questions from the press since training camp opened July 28.