Drake Maye Bio
Drake Lee Maye is an American professional football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, winning the Shaun Alexander Award and ACC Football Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the NCAA in total yards. Maye was selected third overall by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL draft and earned Pro Bowl honors during his first two seasons.
Early Life and Background
Drake Maye was born on August 30, 2002, in Huntersville, North Carolina. He attended Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where he played both football and basketball. Maye has three brothers, all of whom played sports at a competitive level. His brother Luke was part of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team that won a national championship in 2017. Maye was recognized for his athletic prowess early on, receiving All-Conference and All-District honors in basketball and being named The Charlotte Observer’s 2019 male athlete of the year for his achievements in football. He set a school record by throwing for 3,512 yards and 50 touchdowns in a single season, leading his team to a conference championship appearance. Despite not playing his senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was named an Under Armour All-American in 2020 and was rated a four-star prospect. Initially committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide, he later chose to attend the University of North Carolina.
Path to American Football
Drake Maye began his college career as a redshirt freshman for the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2021, where he appeared in four games behind starter Sam Howell. With Howell moving on to the NFL, Maye was named the starting quarterback for the 2022 season. He made an impressive debut against Florida A&M, throwing five touchdowns, a feat that marked him as the first UNC quarterback to achieve this in his debut. Throughout the season, he consistently demonstrated his skills, throwing for four or more touchdowns in multiple games and leading the team to the ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl. His outstanding performance earned him the ACC Player of the Year title, as he led the NCAA in total offense with 5,019 yards, passing for a school-record 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns while also rushing for 698 yards and 7 touchdowns. In his second season, he continued to excel, throwing for over 400 yards in several games and finishing with impressive statistics, which led him to declare for the 2024 NFL draft after the season concluded.
Drake Maye Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Drake Maye’s early career at the University of North Carolina was marked by significant achievements. In his freshman year, he played a supporting role but quickly established himself as a key player in his sophomore year. His performance in 2022, where he was named the ACC Player of the Year, set the stage for his transition to the professional level. Maye’s college career concluded with him ranking fifth in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns in UNC history, solidifying his legacy at the university.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
Drake Maye’s breakthrough came when he was selected by the New England Patriots as the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, making him the first Patriot to be selected in the top five since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. He signed a four-year fully guaranteed contract worth $36.64 million. Initially starting as a backup, Maye made his regular-season debut in Week 3 of the 2024 season. He was named the starting quarterback after a few games and made an immediate impact, becoming the first quarterback since at least 1950 to throw three touchdown passes and lead his team in rushing in his first start. Despite the Patriots finishing the season with a 4-13 record, Maye’s rookie season was notable, as he threw for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Notable Works and Milestones
Drake Maye’s signature work includes his remarkable performance during his rookie season, where he became the first NFL quarterback to throw his first 10 passing touchdowns to ten different receivers. His achievements earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Drake Maye Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Drake Maye has received several nominations, including being recognized as a Pro Bowl selection in both 2024 and 2025, showcasing his rapid rise in the NFL.
Drake Maye Awards Won
Drake Maye has won multiple prestigious awards, including the Shaun Alexander Award and the ACC Player of the Year in 2022, highlighting his exceptional performance during his college career.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bowl | 2 | 2024, 2025 |
| Shaun Alexander Award | 1 | 2022 |
| ACC Player of the Year | 1 | 2022 |
| ACC Rookie of the Year | 1 | 2022 |
| First-team All-ACC | 1 | 2022 |
| Second-team All-ACC | 1 | 2023 |
Drake Maye Family
Drake Maye is the youngest of four brothers, with two of them, Luke and Beau, having played basketball at the University of North Carolina. His brother Cole was a pitcher for the Florida Gators baseball team, contributing to their 2017 College World Series victory. Maye grew up in a competitive family environment, which fostered his athletic abilities.
Personal Life
Drake Maye married Ann Michael Hudson on June 22, 2025. The couple began dating in 2015 and announced their engagement in January 2025. They both attended the University of North Carolina, where Hudson’s younger brother was one of Maye’s backup quarterbacks during the 2023 season.
