Patriots Veteran Jacoby Brissett Reacts to Drake Maye’s First NFL Preseason Start

Foxborough, MA – August 20, 2025

As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 2 preseason clash against the Minnesota Vikings, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Set to make his first NFL start, Maye has ignited excitement in Foxborough, with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett leading the charge in supporting the young star’s debut.

Brissett, a Patriots quarterback from 2016 to 2020 who returned this offseason as a mentor, spoke to reporters after a joint practice with the Vikings on Tuesday, per ESPN. Reflecting on Maye’s upcoming milestone, Brissett shared, “Your first snaps in the NFL – those are moments you’ll never forget. I remember mine right here in New England back in 2016, the nerves, the excitement, the pressure. For Drake, this is that moment. We’re all behind him, watching him step into the huddle, and I know he’s ready. He’s calm, he’s smart, and he’s been learning fast since Day 1. This isn’t about me versus him – it’s about us building something together for the Patriots. And when he takes the field, it’s not just his debut – it’s the start of our future.”

Maye, 23, is expected to lead the Patriots’ offense for the majority of the game, with Brissett and backup Bailey Zappe likely watching from the sidelines. The former North Carolina standout, who threw for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final college season, has impressed in training camp with his poise and arm strength, per Patriots.com. His rapid growth has drawn praise from teammates, with Brissett noting, “Drake came in with a mature mindset. He’s picking up the playbook quickly and learning from all of us in the QB room.”

Brissett, now 32, vividly recalls his own preseason debut in 2016, when he stepped in for Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, completing 8 of 9 passes against the Saints. “You dream of these moments as a kid,” Brissett said. “Drake’s living it now, and we’re all excited to see him out there.”

Despite competing for the QB1 role, Brissett’s support underscores the team’s unity. Fans on X are buzzing, with @PatsNation posting, “Maye’s got Brissett’s blessing—future looks bright!” As New England prepares for kickoff on August 22 at Gillette Stadium, Maye’s debut marks a pivotal step toward a new era. Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.