Tom Brady posts photo of former Patriot Ryan Mallett carrying his pads

Once upon a time, the New England Patriots had a quarterback hierarchy that went like so: Superstar Tom Brady was the clearly established starter, Brian Hoyer was the backup, and rookie Ryan Mallett was there to carry stuff, such as the pads of the veterans.

Once upon a time, the New England Patriots had a quarterback hierarchy that went like so: Superstar Tom Brady was the clearly established starter, Brian Hoyer was the backup, and rookie Ryan Mallett was there to carry stuff, such as the pads of the veterans.

With Mallett set to make his first NFL start Sunday when the Houston Texans visit Hoyer's Cleveland Browns, Brady posted some fun photos of Mallett as a rookie with the Patriots in 2011, carrying the pads of Brady and Hoyer after practice.

Post by Tom Brady.

“Times have changed! Good luck this weekend, guys! #muchdeserved”

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Mallett spent three years with the Pats, seeing mop-up action in four games in 2012, throwing four passes and making several kneeldowns at the end of games.

He was traded to the Texans on Sept. 1, where he was reunited with former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who is now Houston’s head coach. After backing up Ryan Fitzpatrick for nine games, Mallett was named the starter last week while the Texans were on their bye week.

Hoyer has led the Browns to a 6-3 record while completing 58.5 percent of his passes for 2,212 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.

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