Jacoby Brissett, a 31-year-old veteran quarterback, faced a familiar scene on Thursday: reporters clamoring for his attention as he stood by his locker. Over the years, Brissett has seen similar media swarms, sometimes as the starting quarterback and other times as a backup who lost out in the competition.
However, Thursday was especially significant for him as he was named the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, a role he had once thought might be out of reach again.
Brissett’s journey to this point has been marked by numerous challenges and transitions. After being drafted by the Patriots in 2016, where he was initially the third-string quarterback behind Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, he has since played for the Colts, Dolphins, Browns, and Commanders. Now, he’s back with the Patriots and will be starting for them in the 2024 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The opportunity to be a starting quarterback again holds great meaning for Brissett. He acknowledges the hard work and perseverance that have brought him to this point and expresses his excitement and gratitude. Brissett’s career has been characterized by competition, and despite his many stops, he has continually managed to stay relevant and contribute at a high level.
Brissett’s previous stint with the Patriots involved serving as a backup, but his relationship with key figures like Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney has been pivotal. Both coaches, who previously worked with Brissett in Cleveland, have been strong supporters, recognizing his leadership and capability as a quarterback.
Bill Parcells, the Hall of Fame coach, has been a mentor to Brissett since high school. Their relationship began when Parcells was impressed by Brissett’s performance at Dwyer High School and has continued throughout Brissett’s career. Parcells’ advice to Brissett has been a guiding principle, helping him stay resilient in the face of challenges and competition.
Brissett’s career has also involved significant personal growth. His time with the Colts, including a period where he struggled emotionally, led him to seek therapy, which proved to be a turning point. His personal and professional challenges, including dealing with trades and changes in team roles, have helped him build resilience and a deeper understanding of himself and his career.
His experiences with the Colts were mixed. Initially, Brissett was thrust into the starting role when Andrew Luck was injured and later became a backup when Luck returned. Brissett’s time with the Colts helped him mature both on and off the field, and his eventual extension with the team highlighted a period of significant personal and professional growth.
When Brissett moved to the Dolphins, he initially felt he deserved a starting opportunity but ended up feeling disheartened when it did not materialize. However, his continued conversations with his therapist helped him regain his passion for the game, and he managed to perform well in his limited starts.
Brissett’s time with the Browns was a period of rediscovery. Under Van Pelt’s offense, he played impressively and felt a renewed sense of fulfillment. His performance was notable, as he achieved a high QBR and demonstrated his capabilities as a starting quarterback, which was a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
Despite the ups and downs, Brissett’s career has led him back to the Patriots, where he feels he is in the right place at the right time. His experience and leadership qualities, alongside his ability to mentor the rookie quarterback Drake Maye, reflect his growth and commitment to the game. Brissett is determined to make the most of this opportunity and is optimistic about his future with the Patriots.
