Jacoby Brissett is no stranger to being a backup quarterback. In his first eight seasons in the NFL, the 2016 third-round draft pick served as a regular starter just twice.

However, his recent drop from No. 1 to No. 2 on the New England Patriots’ quarterback depth chart was still a challenge for him. Brissett admitted as much during a brief interview in the Patriots’ locker room on Thursday.

“It’s difficult. I don’t think words can really describe how hard it is,” he said, before putting things into perspective.

“I have been through difficult things in my life. I’m sure this won’t be the last time I go through something difficult. So, I’m fine.”

Brissett began his ninth NFL season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, a role he has held virtually since rejoining the club as an unrestricted free agent in March. Rookie challenger Drake Maye made a strong push but was never able to unseat the veteran in training camp and preseason.

However, the third overall pick in this year’s draft continued to develop and showed promise behind the scenes. Combined with the fact that Brissett struggled through the first five weeks of the regular season, the stage was set for a change.

Earlier this week, head coach Jerod Mayo informed both players of his decision. Maye would start the Patriots’ upcoming game against the Houston Texans, with Brissett moved to the backup spot.

“New role, so I’m just trying to prepare for that,” the 31-year-old said.

Brissett’s tenure as the Patriots’ starting quarterback ends with 79 completions on 135 pass attempts for 696 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Maye will oversee an offense that ranks 31st in the NFL in points scored per game.

But even though the former regular player will no longer be actively involved in the team’s activities on match days, he still plays a valuable role behind the scenes.

Finally, Brissett is one of only three of the six original team captains still available at this point in the season. He also remains a mentor to rookie quarterbacks Maye and Joe Milton.

“Jacoby, he’s the ideal teammate, the ideal guy to be in the room with as a quarterback,” Maye said when discussing the move at the top of the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart earlier this week.

“The biggest thing is that you hate it for him. I think Jacoby fought back and got up every time he got hit. Not only that, he just kept the attitude, “Hey, this will be the next play. The ride is coming.” When I saw him on the sidelines, it was the positivity that he has maintained and brought to this team and will continue to bring to this team. He is a great mentor, a great friend and I have tried to do everything I can to help him and I am sure he will do the same.”

Maye’s praise of Brissett isn’t just lip service. According to the now former regular player, New England’s new QB1 also asked him after the move was announced.

However, Brissett kept his young teammate focused on himself.

“Drake asked me how I was doing and I said, ‘Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worrying about the wrong thing right now.’ “I can take care of myself,” he said. “Of course I appreciate it, but I’m fine.”