After the New England Patriots fell 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, former Patriots and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton offered supportive words to current Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Despite Maye’s difficult performance in the high-stakes game, Newton urged him to process the emotions fully while recognizing his progress throughout the season. The focus keyword “Drake Maye quarterback advice” reflects the core of Newton’s message as he addresses the young quarterback.
Maye had a challenging night, completing 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Although his passing was inconsistent, he remained a threat on the ground, rushing five times for 37 yards with an impressive 7.4 yards per carry average. This dual-threat capability was one of the few steady points in an otherwise tough outing under immense pressure.
Throughout the 2025 season, Cam Newton had expressed doubts about the Patriots’ overall success, often questioning their trajectory and playoff potential. Even after the Patriots defeated the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round, Newton’s support had been cautious. Drake Maye, however, chose to disregard Newton’s earlier skepticism, focusing instead on the team he leads now. Yet, Newton’s tone shifted notably after the Super Bowl loss, offering a more empathetic and motivating perspective to Maye, as shared during a Monday segment on First Take.
“I would allow myself, if I’m you, to feel every emotion of this game. Are you disappointed? You should be. But understand this, this game wasn’t just on what you did. … This season wasn’t a failure. You made leaps, strides and bounds to becoming an MVP candidate. … It’s only the beginning, not the end,” Newton said.
Drake Maye’s Background as a Panthers Fan Shapes His Journey
Drake Maye’s bond with Cam Newton runs deeper because of Maye’s childhood allegiance to the Carolina Panthers. Before rising as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, Maye was a dedicated Panthers fan and an admirer of Newton. He even attended Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium, where Newton’s Panthers were defeated by the Denver Broncos 24-10—a stadium that became the site of Maye’s recent Super Bowl appearance.
Maye’s growth as a quarterback has been significant. During the 2025 season, he compiled 4,394 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, finishing with the top quarterback rating in the NFL at 77.1. Beyond his passing stats, Maye displayed strong rushing skills, carrying the ball 98 times for 450 yards and scoring four rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility.
Looking Ahead: Stability and Potential in New England
Entering his third NFL season, Maye benefits from a stable coaching staff led by Mike Vrabel, providing a firm foundation to keep improving. He has already established himself as one of the leading quarterbacks in the AFC, guiding the Patriots from a disappointing 4-13 record the previous year all the way to a Super Bowl appearance and a deep playoff run.
Having faced tough defeats before, Newton’s advice carries weight. He acknowledges the strides Maye has made and encourages him to view this season as an important stepping stone rather than a defeat. Maye’s rapid development into the franchise’s cornerstone suggests a promising future for the Patriots’ offense. The league’s analysts are increasingly recognizing both Maye’s talents and the Patriots’ resurgence under Vrabel’s leadership.
With playoff experience now behind him and room to build, the next chapter for Drake Maye and New England looks filled with opportunity and growth. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this quarterback evolves and what greater success the Patriots might achieve in the coming seasons.
"I would allow myself, if I'm you, to feel every emotion of this game. Are you disappointed? You should be. But understand this, this game wasn't just on what you did. … This season wasn't a failure. You made leaps, strides and bounds to becoming an MVP candidate. … It's only… pic.twitter.com/YkRKLfiNPQ
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 9, 2026
