In a Today Show interview Tuesday morning, Mark Wahlberg defended movies about teddy bears who come to life, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is in New York to meet at NFL headquarters about allegations he was involved in deflating footballs.

“We’ve been friends for a long time,’’ Wahlberg said of Brady.

That may explain why Brady agreed to a cameo in Ted 2, the soon-to-be-released sequel to Ted that opens in theaters on June 26 and stars Wahlberg.

Once Lauer and Wahlberg wrapped up discussions of teddy bears coming to life, Lauer asked about the Deflategate drama.

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I think Tom Brady is the best quarterback to ever play the game,’’ Wahlberg said. “Should have six championships. Will before it’s all said and done.’’


Lauer pressed Wahlberg: “Did he mess with the balls?’’

“No. That’s ridiculous. He’s got beautiful balls,’’ Wahlberg said.

And they both giggled, a toy teddy bear sitting beside them.

God bless America.