In a sport where legends are born through resilience and raw talent, Drake Lee Maye has emerged as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks of his generation. Born on August 30, 2002, in Huntersville, North Carolina, Maye’s journey from a local high school star to the New England Patriots’ rising leader reads like a modern football fairy tale.
His combination of intelligence, precision, and leadership—paired with his grounded family values—has made him one of the NFL’s most promising young faces.
Quick Facts Table
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Drake Lee Maye |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Huntersville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.94 m) |
| Weight | 225 lb (101 kg) |
| Education | William A. Hough HS; Myers Park HS; University of North Carolina (UNC) |
| Family Background | Youngest of four athletic brothers; father Mark Maye also played QB at UNC |
| College Career | UNC Tar Heels (2021–2023) |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 1, Pick 3 – New England Patriots |
| Current Team | New England Patriots |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Relationship Status | Married to Ann Michael Hudson (June 21, 2025) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1 Million |
| Major Awards | ACC Player & Rookie of the Year (2022); Pro Bowl (2024) |
| Contract | Fully guaranteed 4-year deal worth ~$36.6 million |
Early Life and Family Legacy
Drake Maye grew up surrounded by elite athletes and a family culture steeped in competitive excellence. His father, Mark Maye, was a quarterback at UNC in the 1980s, while his brothers built their own athletic legacies—Luke Maye became a basketball hero for UNC, hitting the iconic 2017 buzzer-beater that sent the Tar Heels to a national title, and Cole Maye pitched for Florida’s 2017 College World Series-winning baseball team.
In this family of champions, competition wasn’t about ego—it was about legacy. Backyard battles and late-night driveway shootouts shaped Drake’s mental toughness and drive to excel. Even as the youngest, he showed the leadership qualities that would later define his football journey.
High School Glory: Building a Legend
At Myers Park High School in Charlotte, Maye quickly made headlines. As a junior, he threw for 3,512 yards and 50 touchdowns, smashing school records and earning The Charlotte Observer’s 2019 Male Athlete of the Year.
Though the pandemic cost him his senior season, his remarkable junior campaign and athletic versatility (he was also an accomplished basketball player) earned him Under Armour All-American honors. Initially committed to Alabama, Maye ultimately chose to stay home and play for the University of North Carolina (UNC), honoring his family’s Tar Heel roots.
College Career: From Redshirt to Record-Setter
Maye redshirted his first year (2021) behind Sam Howell, but when his time came in 2022, he made history. In his very first start, he threw five touchdown passes, becoming the first UNC quarterback ever to do so in a debut.
That season, Maye led the entire NCAA in total offense with 5,019 yards, setting school records for both passing yards (4,321) and passing touchdowns (38). He also rushed for 698 yards and 7 TDs, earning the rare distinction of being named ACC Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
His follow-up year in 2023 cemented his reputation. With 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 449 rushing yards, Maye once again ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation. After leading UNC to two consecutive bowl appearances, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, finishing fifth all-time in UNC passing yards (8,018) and fourth in touchdowns (63).
College Statistics and Achievements
During his three-year stint at the University of North Carolina, Drake Maye built one of the most impressive résumés in Tar Heels football history. After redshirting in 2021, he appeared in four games, completing 7 of 10 passes for 89 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 62 yards. It was only a small glimpse of what was to come.
In 2022, his first full season as the starting quarterback, Maye exploded onto the national scene. He completed 342 of 517 passes, maintaining a 66.2% completion rate, and threw for an astounding 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions. His dual-threat ability was equally remarkable—he added 698 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns, leading the NCAA in total offense with over 5,000 combined yards. This performance earned him both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors, making him one of only a few players in history to achieve that double distinction.
Maye’s final college season in 2023 further cemented his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He completed 269 of 425 passes for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 9 interceptions. His mobility again shined as he rushed for 449 yards and scored 9 times on the ground. Over his college career, Maye compiled 8,018 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns, and 1,209 rushing yards with 16 rushing scores, ranking among North Carolina’s all-time leaders in nearly every offensive category.
His statistical dominance, accuracy, and leadership made him a projected top NFL draft pick long before his final game in Chapel Hill—solidifying Drake Maye’s legacy as one of the most complete quarterbacks ever to wear Tar Heel blue.
The NFL Leap: Becoming the Face of the Patriots
The New England Patriots selected Drake Maye as the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him their highest-drafted quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.
His four-year, $36.6 million fully guaranteed contract was a statement of faith in his future. After a short backup stint behind Jacoby Brissett, Maye took the starting role in Week 6 and made an immediate impact—throwing three touchdowns and leading the team in rushing in his debut, a feat unseen in Patriots history since 1950.
Maye’s composure, mobility, and quick reads made him a fan favorite, and by season’s end, he earned a 2025 Pro Bowl selection—a rare honor for a rookie quarterback.
NFL Career Statistics (as of 2025)
| Season | Games (Starts) | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 (12) | 2,276 | 15 | 10 | 421 | 2 | 66.6% |
| 2025 | 5 (5) | 1,261 | 7 | 2 | 110 | 2 | 73.9% |
| Career Total | 18 (17) | 3,537 | 22 | 12 | 531 | 4 | 68.8% |
Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements
As of early 2025, Drake Maye’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, mostly from his rookie contract and early endorsements. His four-year $36.6 million deal with the Patriots includes a $23.4 million signing bonus and full guarantees, ensuring financial stability early in his career.
Although still in his first NFL seasons, Maye’s humility keeps him grounded. He focuses on building long-term partnerships and has already caught the attention of brands seeking authentic athlete ambassadors.
Personal Life: Love, Character, and Values
Drake Maye’s personal life mirrors his steady personality. He married his longtime sweetheart, Ann Michael Hudson, on June 21, 2025, after a relationship that began when they were just 12 years old. Their wedding—an elegant outdoor ceremony—went viral for its heartfelt simplicity and for the couple’s decision to donate all wedding gifts to a local homeless shelter.
Their story embodies humility and love—values that define Maye off the field as much as his precision defines him on it.
Personality and Off-Field Impact
Those close to Drake describe him as calm, analytical, and relentlessly focused. His leadership style isn’t loud—it’s consistent. Whether he’s reading defenses or volunteering in youth clinics, Maye approaches every moment with purpose.
He has become a community role model in both North Carolina and New England, inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence without arrogance.
Looking Ahead: A Star in the Making
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, Maye’s chemistry with star receiver Stefon Diggs and his command of New England’s “fast-break” offense have analysts buzzing. His athleticism, maturity, and accuracy suggest the Patriots may have found their next franchise quarterback.
Experts project that within a few seasons, Maye could emerge among the NFL’s elite—joining names like Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Patrick Mahomes in the league’s upper tier.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Drake Maye’s first 10 NFL touchdowns went to 10 different receivers, a feat unmatched since 1973.
- He’s the first Patriots QB since Tom Brady to throw 3+ TDs and lead the team in rushing in the same game.
- Maye’s college debut included five touchdown passes, setting a UNC record.
- His family has three national championship rings across basketball and baseball.
- His leadership style has drawn comparisons to Justin Herbert for his calm command and quiet intensity.
From backyard football duels in Charlotte to leading an NFL franchise in Foxborough, Drake Maye’s story captures the essence of dedication, family, and faith in one’s craft. His meteoric rise—fueled by both talent and humility—positions him as not just the Patriots’ future, but a potential icon for the next generation of quarterbacks.
Drake Maye is more than just a player; he’s a reminder that greatness begins with roots, hard work, and the courage to stay grounded while aiming high.
