The Patriots head coach spoke with 49ers reporters on Monday and praised Garoppolo.
"I mean, he's a quality player," Belichick said on a conference call. "The 49ers gave him a high contract that, you know, reflected their confidence in him going forward to lead their team, won the NFC Championship last year behind him. So, I think that all speaks for itself."
During Wednesday's radio interview, Garoppolo was asked about Belichick's comments and what it means to have his former coach speak so highly of him, even three years after shipping him to the Bay Area.
"Whenever Coach says something along those lines, coming from him, it means a lot," Garoppolo said on the Murph & Mac show. "Just the respect I have for him with his football knowledge, all the experience he's had throughout the NFL, his resume speaks for himself.
"Coach and me, we always had a good relationship. Obviously, being a defensive coach, there'd be some battles in practice, things like that with iffy calls that would go to the defense's way. But it was all in good fun.
"But Coach, he taught me a ton. Got nothing but respect for the guy. He's first-class all the way, and everything you could ask for in a coach, he was about it."
And of course, Garoppolo had to be asked how his ankle is feeling. The quarterback missed two games after suffering a high-ankle sprain during Week 2. He looked uncomfortable upon his return in Week 5 but looked much-improved during Sunday night's victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
"I forgot about that," Garoppolo said while laughing after being asked about the injury.
Added Garoppolo: "No, it's feeling real good. It's definitely made some big jumps since last week, and it will just keep getting better."
You can listen to the entire interview with Garoppolo below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch: Mykel Williams 'checks a ton of boxes' for 49ers
Shortly after selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams in the NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with team reporter Lindsey Pallares to explain why the young pass rusher is such a strong fit for the team's defense. Lynch emphasized that... -
49ers' Mykel Williams shares ankle injury update, excited to learn from Nick Bosa
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was already impressed with Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams long before learning the standout defender battled through an ankle injury last season. Once he found out, his admiration only grew. General manager John Lynch echoed... -
Rapoport shares candid thoughts on Brock Purdy-49ers contract talks
Earlier this week, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport joined The Rich Eisen Show and offered candid insight into the contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy. The young signal-caller is expected to sign the largest deal in franchise... -
Pelissero on Brock Purdy-49ers contract talks: 'They're not close'
After securing George Kittle with a contract extension that made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have shifted their attention to locking up quarterback Brock Purdy. Negotiations are ongoing, and most expect Purdy to land a deal worth at least...