Drake Maye

Drake Maye is an American football quarterback best known as the New England Patriots’ first-round draft pick and one of the most promising young passers in the NFL. Born in Huntersville, North Carolina, Maye grew up in a highly athletic family with deep ties to the University of North Carolina. His father, Mark Maye, played quarterback at UNC, and his older brother Luke Maye became a celebrated Tar Heels basketball player. Drake developed into a standout multi-sport athlete before becoming a top quarterback prospect at Myers Park High School in Charlotte.

Maye began his college career at the University of North Carolina in 2021 and rose to stardom during the 2022 season. As a redshirt freshman, he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns while also rushing for 698 yards and seven scores. He was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, and first-team All-ACC, joining rare company as one of the few players to sweep the league’s top offensive and rookie honors.

In 2023, Maye continued to show the arm strength, mobility, toughness, and playmaking ability that made him one of the top quarterback prospects in college football. Over his two seasons as North Carolina’s starter, he became known for his deep passing ability, pocket strength, improvisational skill, and leadership. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him a centerpiece of the 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class.

The New England Patriots selected Maye with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Viewed as a potential franchise quarterback, he entered the NFL with high expectations as New England looked to build a new era after the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick years. Maye began his rookie season behind veteran Jacoby Brissett before taking over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games with 12 starts, passing for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 421 rushing yards and two rushing scores.

Maye continued to develop into the face of the Patriots franchise, earning recognition for his strong arm, poise under pressure, mobility, and ability to create plays outside structure. By 2025, he had become New England’s full-time starting quarterback and a team captain, throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns while helping lead the Patriots back into the national spotlight. Known for his calm demeanor, competitive family background, and prototype quarterback tools, Drake Maye remains one of the most important young names in modern football and a popular target for sports memorabilia collectors.