CLEVELAND, Ohio — The NFL’s brutal injury reality is a fact of life that can derail seasons and crush championship dreams.
But for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, injuries represent something else entirely: opportunity.
On Wednesday, Brissett opened up about how his entire current starting position came about because of another player’s misfortune—and why he has unwavering confidence in those now stepping into similar roles.
When asked about the team’s recent injury challenges, Brissett didn’t hesitate to reframe the narrative.
“It’s exciting for the other guys that get a chance to step up,” Brissett explained. “I mean, that’s how that’s how I got to where I am right now, playing right now is because of of an injury.”
This perspective isn’t just empty optimism from the 10-year NFL veteran.
It’s a philosophy forged through his own career trajectory, which has seen him bounce between starter and backup roles across multiple organizations.
Now, as Arizona’s signal-caller, Brissett brings that hard-earned wisdom to a locker room that’s being tested by the injury bug.
The quarterback’s confidence in his teammates is palpable. When discussing the players who will be stepping into larger roles, Brissett emphasized on it.
“Slack is not the right word, but pick up the intensity and the focus and do the job, that they need to do to help us win,” Brissett said.
What makes Brissett’s leadership approach particularly effective is his refusal to view himself as a second-stringer, even when he’s not at the top of the depth chart.
“I never really call myself a backup even when I’m not playing,” Brissett said. This mindset has allowed him to maintain his voice in the locker room regardless of his game-day status.
The Cardinals face significant challenges ahead with key contributors sidelined. However, Brissett’s experience working with many of these “next men up” during preseason and practice sessions has built valuable chemistry.
“A lot of those guys have been out there with me in scout team when I was the first couple weeks,” Brissett noted, highlighting the existing connections that could help smooth this transition.
Beyond the psychological benefits, Brissett’s approach demonstrates a crucial leadership quality: turning potential negatives into positives. Rather than lamenting injuries, he’s actively excited about the opportunities they create for teammates to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. This mentality spreads throughout a locker room, creating resilience instead of resignation.
For Cardinals fans concerned about how these personnel changes might impact upcoming games, Brissett’s confidence should provide some reassurance. His own story serves as proof that sometimes the “next man up” can exceed expectations and deliver when it matters most.
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