New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and his wife, Anne Michael Maye, have established a heartfelt pregame tradition that has drawn attention during the 2025 NFL playoffs. This ritual, involving a kiss shared before kickoff, first gained notice during their divisional round victory over the Houston Texans.
Before facing Houston, Anne Michael showed her support by wearing an “I Love Drake Maye” T-shirt as she approached the sidelines to give Maye a kiss. This meaningful gesture appeared to boost Maye’s confidence as he led his team against quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans.
Repeating the Ritual in High-Stakes Games
The ritual was repeated in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos. Unlike the Texans matchup, Maye approached the kiss while holding his helmet, leaning in to share the moment with Anne Michael before returning to the field. This moment of affection preceded another triumph for the Patriots, securing their berth in the Super Bowl.
As the team prepared for the Sunday night showdown, the NFL highlighted a clip of the couple embracing and exchanging a kiss just before Maye stepped onto the field, reinforcing the significance of their shared ritual.
Pregame Kisses and the Patriots’ Pursuit of History
The pregame kisses have become a symbol of good fortune for the Patriots, who extended their playoff success following what many viewed as an easy regular season. Now one victory away from capturing their franchise’s seventh Vince Lombardi Trophy, the team and fans alike are embracing this new source of inspiration.
Tom Brady Sr. Addresses Speculation About His Son’s Allegiances
After Tom Brady faced criticism for not publicly supporting the Patriots during Super Bowl LX, his father, Tom Brady Sr., spoke out to dispel claims that the seven-time NFL champion resented Drake Maye’s rising prominence. Speaking to the Boston Globe on Saturday, Brady Sr. said,
“He wants (Patriots owner) Robert (Kraft) to win this thing and get his seventh Super Bowl,” Tom Brady Sr., Father of Tom Brady
“He’s got several different roles, and he’s got to maintain some level of impartiality.
“I will tell you as well as I know my son, he has said this before, that my legacy is already established. I’ve heard him say, if somebody ever breaks my record, I will shake their hand because I know how much it has taken to get there.”
Brady Sr. emphasized that his son
“had no dog in this fight,”
noting his hope to see both teams compete fiercely and deliver an exciting game for fans. Despite this, Tom Brady’s reluctance to endorse the Patriots team he once led to six Super Bowls generated controversy.
Patriots Fans Anticipate What’s Next
As New England Patriots Nation eagerly awaits the Super Bowl, attention remains fixed on Drake Maye’s leadership and the unique pregame ritual shared with Anne Michael. The couple’s display of affection not only symbolizes their bond but also seems to energize the Patriots as they approach a historic opportunity in the NFL season.
The outcome of Super Bowl LX will determine if this emerging tradition continues as a new emblem of victory for the franchise, adding another memorable chapter to the Patriots’ storied legacy.
Ann Michael Maye dressed for the occasion with the "I ❤️ Drake Maye" hoodie
HOUvsNE on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/7gONLcEY5G— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
HEARTWARMING: #Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye takes off his helmet so he can kiss his wife Ann Michael which is part of their pregame ritual every week.
❤️
Drake has been dating Ann Michael since they were 12 years old and in middle school.
pic.twitter.com/ZA1PMFv8xK— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 25, 2026
A good luck kiss for Drake Maye and Ann Michael Maye before gametime ❤️
Super Bowl LX – 6:30pm ET on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/cpVVkn6Hi6— NFL (@NFL) February 8, 2026
