Drake Maye’s journey from high school standout to NFL quarterback has captured the attention of football fans everywhere. Known for his competitive spirit and impressive skill set, Maye’s career path took an intriguing turn when he joined the New England Patriots. After setting records at the University of North Carolina (UNC), he made a bold entrance into the NFL, becoming one of the most promising young quarterbacks in recent drafts. This article dives into Maye’s early life, his college accomplishments, and his first professional season, which has already been filled with significant milestones.
Early Life and High School Success
Drake Lee Maye was born on August 30, 2002, in Huntersville, North Carolina. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Drake shared a fierce competitive spirit with his three brothers, all of whom excelled in athletics. He attended William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, but later transferred to Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where his sports career began to flourish. By the time he was a junior, Drake was already making waves, earning All-Conference and All-District honors in basketball. His remarkable football performance that year, throwing for 3,512 yards and 50 touchdowns, led his team to a conference championship appearance and caught the attention of top college scouts.
Recognized as a four-star recruit, Maye initially committed to Alabama in July 2019. However, he later made the surprising decision to play for his home state, joining the UNC Tar Heels in March 2020. His time in high school set the foundation for what would become an impressive college career, marked by record-breaking performances and multiple accolades.
College Career at UNC: A Record-Breaking Journey
Drake Maye’s college career began in 2021 as a redshirt freshman at UNC. Though he initially played behind Sam Howell, Maye’s opportunity to start came after Howell’s departure to the NFL. In his debut game against Florida A&M, Maye made an unforgettable impression, throwing five touchdowns—a first in UNC history for a starting quarterback’s debut. His dynamic playing style, characterized by precision and agility, allowed him to lead UNC to the 2022 ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl.
During the 2022 season, Maye dominated college football by setting single-season records for passing yards (4,321) and touchdowns (38) at UNC. He was named ACC Player of the Year and led the nation in total offense, accumulating 5,019 yards. His versatility was evident as he also rushed for 698 yards and seven touchdowns. The following year, in 2023, Maye continued to shine with notable games against Syracuse, Miami, and Campbell, where he consistently threw for over 400 yards. He ended his college career with a total of 8,018 passing yards and 63 touchdowns, ranking him fifth in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns in UNC history.
Transition to the NFL: Drafted by the Patriots
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye as the third overall pick. His selection was historic, as he was one of six quarterbacks drafted in the first round, tying the record set in 1983. On May 28, 2024, Maye signed a four-year contract with the Patriots worth $36.64 million. He chose jersey number 10, following in the footsteps of former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Despite a promising preseason, Maye initially served as a backup to veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Drake Maye’s Professional Debut and Rising NFL Stardom
Maye made his regular-season NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2024 season during a game against the New York Jets. While his first appearance was brief, it hinted at his potential. His opportunity to start came in October, following the Patriots’ struggles early in the season. Named the starter after the Patriots fell to a 1–4 record, Maye faced the Houston Texans in his first game as a starter. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, also leading the team in rushing yards with 38. His performance was a major improvement for the Patriots’ offense, marking him as the first quarterback in at least 70 years to throw three touchdowns and lead his team in rushing in his debut start.
In Week 8 against the Jets, Maye continued to impress with a rushing touchdown before suffering a concussion that forced him to exit the game. Despite his absence, the Patriots managed to secure a close 25–22 victory. As Maye recovers, his potential as the Patriots’ future franchise quarterback has already garnered attention and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Personal Life: The Maye Family Legacy
Drake Maye hails from an athletic family with deep roots in North Carolina sports. His father, Mark Maye, was also a quarterback for UNC in the 1980s and played briefly in the NFL. Drake’s older brothers, Luke and Beau, also left their marks on UNC, with Luke hitting a memorable buzzer-beater in the 2017 NCAA Tournament to help the Tar Heels reach the national championship. Another brother, Cole, was a baseball pitcher for the Florida Gators, contributing to their 2017 College World Series win. Growing up in this environment, Maye developed a strong bond with other notable athletes, including Sam Howell and NFL quarterback Mason Rudolph.
The Future of Drake Maye in the NFL
With his dynamic skill set, competitive spirit, and record-breaking college career, Drake Maye is set to be a key player in the NFL for years to come. His debut season with the Patriots has already provided a glimpse of his potential to become a game-changing quarterback. Fans and analysts are eager to see how Maye develops in his professional career and if he can help lead the Patriots back to the top of the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happened to Drake Maye after college?
After an outstanding college career at the University of North Carolina, Drake Maye was selected as the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He initially started as a backup quarterback but quickly earned the starting position following a challenging start to the Patriots’ season.
2. How did Drake Maye perform in his first NFL start?
In his first start against the Houston Texans, Maye threw three touchdown passes and led the team in rushing yards, a rare achievement for an NFL debut. Despite the Patriots’ loss, Maye’s performance was promising, showcasing his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
3. What college records did Drake Maye set at UNC?
Drake Maye set multiple records at the University of North Carolina, including single-season passing yards (4,321) and touchdowns (38) in 2022. He was also named ACC Player of the Year after leading the nation in total offense that season.
4. What is Drake Maye’s connection to other sports figures?
Maye comes from a family of athletes. His father, Mark, played quarterback at UNC, while his brothers Luke and Cole also played sports at the collegiate level. He grew up family friends with NFL quarterback Mason Rudolph, as their fathers were teammates at UNC.
5. What is Drake Maye’s contract with the New England Patriots?
Drake Maye signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots in 2024, valued at $36.64 million. His commitment to the Patriots signifies his role as a key asset in their future lineup.
Drake Maye’s career has only just begun, but he has already demonstrated the talent and dedication needed to succeed at the highest levels of football. As he continues to grow within the Patriots’ system, his trajectory suggests a promising future in the NFL. Fans and followers will be watching closely to see where his journey takes him next.