BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- It is hard to believe that Brandin Cooks is only 24 years old and the eighth-youngest member of the Patriots even though this is his third season in the league.
Cooks was just eight years old when Tom Brady won his first Super Bowl in the 2001 season, and he doesn't even remember it because he wasn't into football then. He didn't start playing until he was nine.
Now having a full season with Brady under his belt, he isn't surprised by his success at age 40.
"I am not surprised," Cooks said. "The way that he goes about his game, I respect it and I am not surprised at all by what he's doing."
The wide receiver was traded to the Patriots from the Saints last March and immediately made an impact with the team, especially when it came to making plays down the field.
"First thought was I am blessed to come play for a great organization and continue my career playing football," Cooks said.
"Playing for this team, being in the Super Bowl, what more can you ask for as a kid who dreamed of playing in the NFL period, let alone playing in a Super Bowl on the biggest stage of your life and your career," he added. "It is a blessing."
Cooks finished the regular season with 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns, and may be even better in the postseason, as in the two games he has nine catches for 132 yards.
