• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  August 30, 2002

Drake Maye is an NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots. Born August 30, 2002, in Huntersville, North Carolina, he grew up in a sports-focused family that helped shape his competitive spirit and leadership on and off the field.

Maye is the youngest of four brothers in a family often described as “UNC athletic royalty.” His father, Mark Maye, played quarterback at the University of North Carolina in the 1980s and had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks. His older brothers also excelled in college sports: Luke and Beau played basketball at North Carolina, with Luke hitting a famous game-winning shot during the 2017 NCAA Tournament, while another brother, Cole, pitched for the Florida Gators team that won the 2017 College World Series. Growing up in that environment, Drake learned early that preparation, toughness, and humility were non-negotiable if he wanted to succeed at a high level.

Maye attended William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, before transferring to Myers Park High School in Charlotte. At Myers Park he played both football and basketball, but it was on the football field that he truly stood out. As a junior, he threw for 3,512 yards and 50 touchdowns, setting a school record and leading his team to a conference championship appearance. His performance earned him recognition as The Charlotte Observer’s 2019 Male Athlete of the Year and selection as an Under Armour All-American. Highly sought after as a four-star recruit, he initially committed to play college football at Alabama but later flipped his commitment to North Carolina, choosing to follow in his father’s footsteps and stay closer to home.

Maye redshirted his freshman season at the University of North Carolina in 2021, appearing in four games as a backup to Sam Howell. When Howell left for the NFL, Maye was named the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback for the 2022 season and made an immediate impact. In his first start, against Florida A&M, he threw five touchdown passes, becoming the first UNC quarterback to do so in his debut. Over the 2022 season, he passed for a school-record 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns, while rushing for 698 yards and seven more scores. He led the NCAA in total offense that year, guided North Carolina to the ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl, and was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year.

In 2023, Maye continued to show poise and playmaking ability, posting multiple 400-yard passing games and remaining one of the top quarterbacks in college football. After three seasons at UNC, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country.

Maye was selected by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, becoming the first Patriots quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993 to be chosen in the top five. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract and began his rookie year as the backup to veteran Jacoby Brissett before taking over as the starter. In his first NFL season, he threw for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection as an alternate and helping the franchise transition into a new era.

Maye’s second NFL season marked a major step forward. Now firmly established as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, he helped lead the team to a 14–3 record and an AFC East title. He passed for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, leading the league in completion percentage and passer rating and earning second-team All-Pro honors along with another Pro Bowl nod. His playmaking and leadership helped guide New England deep into the postseason, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game, and he was recognized by the Pro Football Writers of America as one of the league’s most improved players.

Off the field, Drake Maye’s life is deeply rooted in family. He has long spoken about the influence of his parents and brothers, crediting them for keeping him grounded amidst the pressures of major college football and the NFL. He also enjoys a close friendship with fellow quarterback Sam Howell, who preceded him as UNC’s starter, and he grew up family friends with NFL quarterback Mason Rudolph, whose father played with Mark Maye at North Carolina. These relationships have provided him with mentors and peers who understand both the demands and opportunities of high-level football.

Maye is also a newlywed. On June 22, 2025, he married his longtime girlfriend, Ann Michael (Hudson) Maye, at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina. The couple met as teenagers, began dating in 2015, and later attended the University of North Carolina together. They announced their engagement in January 2025, shortly after his arrival in the NFL. Ann Michael’s younger brother played quarterback at UNC as one of Maye’s backups, reflecting just how intertwined football and family are in their story.

The marriage has also become part of Maye’s off-field narrative, as he and Ann Michael have been described as highly competitive with one another in everything from board games to tennis. In media appearances, Maye has joked about how much they enjoy competing in any activity they can share, highlighting their playful dynamic and strong partnership. The couple also made headlines when they chose to donate their wedding gifts to a local shelter, reflecting a desire to give back and live out their values in tangible ways.

Drake Maye's Religious Beliefs

A key part of those values is Maye’s Christian faith. He has been open about his belief in God and the way it shapes his outlook on football and life. Since his rookie season in the NFL, Maye has emphasized gratitude and purpose when speaking about his career. “I’m blessed and thankful… and just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that I have,” he said in 2024. “I’m here for the Good Lord and blessed for all that he’s given to me.” That perspective reflects a humility that goes beyond statistics and accolades; he often frames his achievements as gifts and opportunities to honor God rather than purely personal accomplishments.

Maye’s faith also shows up in his relationships with teammates and his involvement in spiritual activities. As a second-year player, the 23-year-old newlywed has been influenced by veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who has encouraged him to participate in couples’ Bible studies. Bourne has spoken about the responsibility he feels, noting that Maye is watching him, so he wants to lead by example. Those Bible studies, along with postgame prayers and other faith-centered gatherings, have become part of the culture for a group of Patriots players seeking to grow spiritually as well as professionally.