“Football doesn’t build character, it reveals character!” Marv Levy’s words, and they still hit hard as a rock. Especially in Jacoby Brissett‘s case as his roller-coaster of an NFL journey continues. But now, he’s earned the starter role at Patriots, the franchise that drafted him as a third-round pick in 2016. However, it wasn’t handed to him on a platter. Brissett revealed that what the former Patriots’ HC once told him still echoes in his mind.

“Jacoby, you’ll never be somebody’s favorite pick. You’ll never be somebody’s No. 1 guy. There will always be someone the organization or the fans want over you. So whenever you get your chance, you just have to stay in there.” This is what Hall of Famer coach Bill Parcells told Jacoby Brissett. Ever since his high school days, the 31-year-old signal-caller has been close to Bill, maintaining a connection. Learning and re-learning plays that might earn him the shot in the center. And now’s not different, as Jerod Mayo announced Brissett to lead the Pats’ offense for the 2024 season over Drake Maye.

This was always the plan. Despite some raised eyebrows, they drafted Drake and brought in a veteran to start him, giving the rookie time and space to grow. This is not an alien concept, as almost all franchises practice it. But for Jacoby Brissett, being named the starter wasn’t just another chapter; it was special. Picture this: After 8 years, his pro career has come full circle, right back to where it all began. And during that time he’s donned the jerseys of the Colts, Dolphins, Browns, and Commanders. Searching for that secure starting gig. But sometimes, the game doesn’t follow the script.

Brissett’s journey reflects the tough love wisdom of Bill Parcells. “That guy was never you,” Parcells once told him, meaning Jacoby wasn’t ever going to be treated like a first-round pick. And Brissett accepted it. Competing for his job? That’s just another Sunday for Jacoby. But what has helped him navigate these choppy NFL waters is the elite support system at every turn. Imagine having a Hall of Fame coach like Parcells in your corner, adviser Abe Elam guiding you, and therapy helping to keep your head in the game. And let’s not forget Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt, who’s had faith in Jacoby since their Cleveland days. “He has great command of this offense,” Van Pelt said, shining a light on what makes Brissett a standout QB1.

Yet, despite embracing his ‘unusual’ journey, Jacoby Brissett admitted there was a time when he felt stranded on an island all alone.

Indiana came as a ‘saving grace’ for Jacoby Brissett!

In 2016, he had no shot at getting a chance as the QB1 in Foxborough. Why? One look at the QB room, Tom Brady and Jimmy Garappolo, and you’d know that ‘Nope!’ Best case? Third in the pecking order. It hits hard. While getting mentored by those two is valuable, you’d want to get playing time to apply those lessons on the gridiron. But it was not to be.

As expected, Brissett was traded to the Colts in 2017 for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. That was the gut-punch moment. Not even Brady or Garoppolo could help him there; they had never been traded. Jacoby began questioning whether all his effort was for nothing. Ever felt like that? Just when it seems you’re finding your rhythm, the game changes.

But instead of sulking over ‘lack of opportunities’, Brissett decided to embrace what the league threw at him. And you could say Indiana treated him well—four seasons with solid numbers. A passer rating of 84.2, over 6,000 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 46 games. “Indy’s where a lot of things in my personal life changed,” Brissett shared. “It’s where I met my therapist. My life got better after that.”

Now, he’s back in New England, but this time as QB1. Sure, his role mirrors that of a supporting cast to future star Drake Maye. But like Parcells said, “You must make the most out of the opportunities you get because there won’t be many.” That’s exactly what Brissett’s doing! He might not be a showstopper, but do you see him igniting some fireworks for the Pats this season?