New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is already beloved in Foxborough.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is only in his second season in the NFL, but he's already beloved in Foxborough.
Maye has a "cult-like following" in New England and the UNC product appreciates the support he has gotten from Patriots fans.
"Other than the cheers and stuff, just try to give them something to cheer about more," Maye said. "I'm really not thinking too much about it. Like I said, I appreciate how the fans have embraced me and took me into New England as a southern kid. So, I've just enjoyed it. I try to enjoy it and give them something to cheer about more."
Maye has been getting MVP chants at home games this season. The talented QB finished the regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns. He led the NFL in completion percentage (72.0%).
For the first time in the post-Tom Brady era, the Patriots are Super Bowl contenders. Maye and Co. face the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL playoffs and the gunslinger is aware of how talented Houston's defense is.
"They fly around, they're relentless," Maye said. "They're great up front, they're great in the back end, they've got great linebackers. They're great all around. They have great coaching. So, we've got our hands full, and we know it's going to be a tough game. We've got to play the game the right way, and we've got great players all around. Man, all the hype is fulfilling and deserving from what I've seen on film.
"So, we've got to be able to stay ahead of the chains, and I know we've got a tough task, but we're going to have our hands full. Play complimentary football, and from there, just try to find ways to pick up first downs and score some points."
The Texans beat Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round on the road. DeMeco Ryans' defense gave up only six points.
If the Patriots beat the Texans, they will face the winner of the Buffalo Bills-Denver Broncos contest in the AFC Championship Game.