The Patriots first drafted Jacoby Brissett in 2016. A lot has happened for the franchise and the player since, but eight years later, he's back in New England for the 2024 season.
After stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders, the quarterback signed with New England in free agency on a one-year, $8 million deal. Thus far, his veteran presence has been felt throughout the offense.
With a lot of catching up to do, Patriots.com spoke with Brissett on Tuesday after training camp practice to ask him 21 questions and make up for lost time.
What did you look forward to the most about returning to New England?
Aside from football, I would have to say the restaurants. There's a great food scene here.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in the area?
Wow, there's so many. I live in a different area now than I did my rookie year but go downtown and you get Arya Trattoria, Bricco -- I used to like Lincoln too but I haven't been there since I've been back yet.
What has changed the most about you since your rookie season?
Well, obviously my age, but I'm probably a little more mature on and off the field, for sure. And I have a dog now, so that's changed.
(Bonus question) What kind of dog and what is the name?
A cane corso named Bane, like Bane from Batman.
What is the coolest thing you did this offseason?
I traveled. I went to St. Lucia and that was fun. Played golf there. I'm a simple guy so I just played a bunch of golf with my friends. It was fun.
Where is the coolest place you ever traveled?
That's tough. I'm pretty well-traveled so far. I went to Hawaii and it was really nice. Bend, Oregon -- not a lot of people know about that place but it's beautiful. And I loved St. Lucia, too.
What are some of your biggest interests or hobbies outside of football?
I love to golf. I play a lot of golf in the offseason. I got into it right around COVID and I got the bug.
If you could play golf with any three people in the world, who would make up your dream foursome?
Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, obviously, and Tiger Woods. Easy.
What is one meal you could eat every day and never get sick of?
Breakfast food. Any breakfast food I could eat for every meal and never get sick of.
Do you have a favorite movie or show?
I would probably go with the office in terms of a funny show, but I love movies. It would be hard to me to pick just one. I love Denzel Washington and Will Smith. I'm well versed in movies.
What is a cause that is near and dear to your heart?
I wouldn't say there's a specific cause, but more of feeling out where I can best help people. Whatever I can do to help I try to do.
Who were some of your biggest influences growing up?
Definitely my family. My mom, two older brothers, and my sister. I had good coaches throughout my career from little league all the way up to now. My high school coach was very influential for me and really helped me get my love for football back -- that whole offensive staff really did that for me, as well as my high school basketball coach.
What is your first football memory?
I was six or seven years old, crying to my mom that I didn't want to go to practice. I was on the same team as my brothers and was forced to go play football. I just remember crying the whole practice until it was over -- I literally sat on the sideline just crying. I didn't like football growing up, but things started to turn in probably middle school or early high school. My sophomore year of high school I realized I could probably play this game for real and I was actually pretty good.
If you could have a walk up song like in baseball what would yours be?
Oh, man. Probably "Rags2Riches" by Rod Wave or Lil Baby's "Freestyle" -- I have a lot in my head but I'll go with those two.
What is your spirit animal and why?
I'd probably say my dog is my spirit animal. He's just like me, a couch potato. When it's time to go, he's ready, but if not he's chilling.
What is something you couldn't live with out?
Probably my dog.
Do you have any non-negotiable rituals or rules you live by?
I will never use a public bathroom, that's one thing that's non-negotiable.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
I've gotten a lot of good advice. How you do one thing is how you do everything. Joy wouldn't feel so good if it weren't for pain. And then the golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated.
What are you most proud of aside from your football career?
That's an ongoing answer. I've been in a lot of therapy so I love the man I think I'm becoming, and I hope that's how people feel about me, so I would say using therapy to become a better person and a better man.
What is your favorite part about being a New England Patriot?
I love the history. I love the tradition. I love the standard that has been set. When people think about the Patriots and what Bill (Belichick) and Tom (Brady) built here, I love that pressure that has been set. I love having that expectation to live up to. If we're not doing it for that then what are we doing it for? What they created for this organization is so incredible, and it sets a tone where you come in here. That's something I enjoy a lot.
