Former UNC star Drake Maye continues to support his coach, Mike Vrabel.
Former UNC star Drake Maye doesn't think the Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini scandal will distract the New England Patriots next season.
"No, I don't," Maye said. "I mean, he's our head coach. I think he's done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I'm just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready."
Maye spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday following the Truist Championship Pro-Am in Charlotte, where he was paired with PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland on the back nine at Quail Hollow.
Photos showed Vrabel hugging and holding hands with Russini at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, told the New York Post that the photos didn't accurately reflect their interaction.
However, after initially receiving support from The Athletic, Russini announced she was resigning from her role at the outlet. There were also more photos released showing Russini and Vrabel kissing.
Vrabel, 50, won three Super Bowls as a player with New England. He is preparing for his second season as head coach of the Patriots after leading them to a 14-3 regular-season record last season, which ended with the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Vrabel was not with the Patriots on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He was with his family and sought counseling.
"I know he's got the right mindset, and I know he's a great human being," Maye said. "I think he's ... like I said, I love playing for him."
Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. He finished in second in MVP voting to Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
One of the best players in UNC Football history, Maye enters next season with 6,670 passing yards and 49 passing touchdowns in his NFL career.
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.
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