Former North Carolina star Drake Maye, who now plays for the New England Patriots, could win the 2025 NFL MVP Award.
Former North Carolina star Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is in the MVP conversation in just his second year in the NFL.
Maye, who played three seasons at UNC, leads the NFL in completion percentage and has the Patriots at 11-3.
While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Maye opened about being in the MVP debate.
"The MVP is obviously one of the big accolades for this league, and it's something that is an honor as a player to earn that award, and I respect all the past MVPs, but I think at the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing," Maye said.
"I think it's what kind of makes this league go is winning the big one. That's what you work toward, and that's what this game is about. I love winning, and the personal accolades come with all that, but I'd rather win than win personal awards. I hope people in that locker room – I know a lot of them feel the same way."
In 30 games at UNC, Maye put up 8,018 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He was the 2022 ACC Player of the Year and the 2022 ACC Offensive Player of the Year.
This season for the Patriots, Maye has 3,567 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 362 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the season. He's completing 70.9% of his passes.
The last Patriots player to win MVP was Tom Brady. Only time will tell if Maye etches his name next to the NFL icon.
"I expect a lot of myself," Maye said. "I think that's the biggest thing. You expect to show up in big games. You expect to show up when your team needs you, and that's what I hope everybody in that locker room feels. When pressure's on, you want to play within the system, play within the scheme and use your teammates around you.
"I've been trying to do that as much as I can because those guys around me are great players and realize that you don't do it by yourself. That's a motto in life. You don't do things by yourself. You've got people around you in your life that can help you, help you get to your goal, that think the same way and that want to win. I think when the pressure's on, you don't have to play outside and try to make a hero play, just make a winning play."
Maye and the Patriots face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. New England is looking to get back in the win column after blowing a 24-7 lead to the Buffalo Bills last week.