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.

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

“It’s difficult. I don’t think words can really describe how tough 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 experience something difficult. So everything will be fine with me.”

Brissett entered his ninth NFL season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, a role he has essentially held since rejoining the club as an unrestricted free agent in March. Rookie challenger Drake Maye took a solid step, but was never able to dethrone the veteran throughout training camp and preseason.

However, the third overall selection in this year’s draft continued to develop promisingly behind the scenes. Coupled with Brissett struggling through the first five weeks of the regular season, the stage was set for 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 moving into the backup spot.

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

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

But while the former starter will no longer actively influence the team’s fortunes on matchdays, he still plays a valuable role behind the scenes.

After all, Brissett is one of only three of the original six 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 work with as a quarterback,” Maye said when discussing the change to the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart earlier this week.

“The most important thing is that you hate it for him. I think Jacoby did his best and got up every time he got hit. Not only that, he just kept thinking, ‘Hey, this is going to be the next play.’ This ride is coming.” When I saw him on the sidelines, it was the positive atmosphere that he kept and brought to this team and will continue to bring to this team. He’s a great mentor, a great friend, and I tried to do everything I could to help him, and I’m sure he will do the same.

Maye speaking highly of Brissett is not just lip service. According to the now former starter, New England’s new QB1 made sure to zero in on him as well after the move was announced.

However, Brissett made sure his young teammate stayed focused on himself.

“Drake asked me how I’m doing and I said, ‘Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worried about the wrong things. “I can take care of myself,” he said. “Of course I appreciate that, but I will be fine.”