Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby JaJuan Brissett was born on December 11, 1992, and is a key player in the National Football League (NFL) who has showcased his talent for a handful of prestigious teams. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, he attended William T. Dwyer High School and was quickly recognized for his natural ability as a quarterback. Rated a four-star recruit by the widely renowned Rivals.com, he was dubbed the third-best dual-threat quarterback of his class—a title that undoubtedly contributed to his February 2011 commitment to play football at the University of Florida.

As a fresh-faced college athlete with the Florida Gators in 2011, Brissett played as a backup to starter John Brantley. By October, he was starting his first two career games. His first outing on the field as a starter was a tough one, pitted against top-ranked LSU, in which they suffered a disappointing 41–11 loss. Brissett held his own, though, throwing for 94 yards alongside one touchdown and two interceptions. His sophomore year saw him compete with Jeff Driskel for the starter position and even open the season against Bowling Green. His competitive spirit was evident, and he appeared in five games that year, making 23 completions out of 35 for 249 yards and a touchdown.

January 2013 marked a change in scenery for Brissett as he was traded to NC State. Following a mandated period of inactivity due to transfer rules, he took on his new role as the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback in 2014. Brissett’s senior year proved fruitful, and he passed for over 2,600 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.

In 2016, the NFL took notice of Brissett’s field prowess, and he was selected in the third round by the New England Patriots. That year, he had the distinction of being the fifth quarterback chosen and the only drafted player who declined to hire an agent. His pro debut occurred on September 18, 2016, and saw him complete 6 out of 9 passes for 92 yards after the Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an injury. His impressive performance earned him the title of the first African-American quarterback to start for the Patriots—which he managed to maintain even after an injury of his own.

Brissett’s Patriots tenure was short-lived, though, and he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Here, he carved out a name for himself as the primary starter during the 2017 and 2019 seasons. The following three seasons saw him alternate as the starter and backup for key NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders.

With the Browns, Brissett signed a one-year deal on March 25, 2022. He started the first eleven games as their QB while leading the team to a 4–7 record with more than 2,600 passing yards and 14 total touchdowns. His success was short-lived, though, thanks to an injury that set him back. He then signed a similar one-year contract with the Washington Commanders in March 2023. Able to prove his worth, he recorded ten passes for 100 yards and one touchdown in a single game. Unfortunately, another injury reared its head, putting a halt to his run as their quarterback.

In a twist of fate, Brissett came full circle, returning to the New England Patriots in 2024. He proudly reclaimed his title as their starting quarterback once more, ready to build on the incredible legacy of skill and perseverance he began carving out years before.

Throughout his career, Jacoby Brissett has shown an impressive determination to not only continually evolve as a player but also to boldly embark on new opportunities, regardless of challenges or setbacks. His journey in the realm of professional football is a testament to his talent, grit, and inherent passion for the game.