SANTA CLARA — When your football team is 1-8, sometimes you need a little bit of humor to get through the day.

Safety Eric Reid offered that reprieve for reporters on Tuesday in the 49ers locker room.

Reid was answering a question about what an honor it will be to face Patriots quarterback Tom Brady this Sunday.

“I’ve been watching this guy for a long time,” Reid said. “If I can get my hands on one of his balls, that would be huge for me and huge for this team.”

There was a long pause, followed by a bunch of laughter from reporters and Reid himself.

“Wait, don’t quote that,” Reid laughed. “That didn’t sound very good.”

Reid is happily married with two daughters, in case you were wondering.