The Importance of Family in Drake Maye’s Journey

Throughout his journey from being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to starting quarterback in the 2025 AFC Championship Game, New England Patriots star Drake Maye has always emphasized the significance of family in his life. “This is my squad,” Maye said during his introductory press conference after being drafted by New England. “If you’re getting me, you’re getting them.” He was referring to his wife, Ann Michael Maye, and his three brothers, Luke, Cole, and Beau. All four loved ones were present at the press conference, symbolizing the loyalty Maye aimed to bring to the Patriots organization.

Fast forward to the 2025 season. The Patriots finished with a 14-3 record during the regular season, and Maye emerged as an MVP candidate with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

A Special Postgame Moment with Family

Drake Maye’s Wife Sparks Special Postgame Moment

Ann Michael, whom he started dating in seventh grade, noticed something unusual during the NFL playoffs. Drake admitted that his wife called him out for not spending time with her and his family after games like his teammates did. “My wife has gotten on me because bunch of other people have gone onto the field after the game and we haven’t yet,” Maye said after New England’s 28-16 AFC divisional round win against the Houston Texans. “I was like, ‘Alright, the last (home game) we’ll go out there.'”

The result was a special postgame moment at a snowy Gillette Stadium. Maye played catch with his brothers, who attended the game alongside Ann Michael. The Maye family’s athletic background was clearly visible as his brothers ran routes to the endzone. “It was pretty cool with the snow and just taking time to enjoy it with the people that I love,” Drake said.

Athletic Background of Drake Maye’s Brothers

Drake’s oldest brother, Luke Maye, played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and hit an unforgettable game-winning shot in the 2017 NCAA tournament on the way to a title. Cole Maye, the second-oldest, won a national championship playing college baseball for the Florida Gators. Beau Maye attended UNC at the same time as Drake, roomed with his brother, and spent one season as a walk-on on the basketball team. Their dad, Mark Maye, was a quarterback at North Carolina as well.

The Patriots quarterback told ESPN that competing with his brothers is simply “part of who we are,” but it was his longtime partner who pushed him to bring them down to the field last weekend and show it. Ann Michael has been the perfect addition to the Maye family since they got married last June. She is every bit as competitive as the four brothers — challenging Drake in anything from tennis to Battleship. “She’ll try anything we can compete in,” Maye said of his wife on Wednesday. “She’s a great athlete.”

Upcoming AFC Championship Game

The AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and the Denver Broncos will kick off from Empower Field at Mile High at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday and will be televised on CBS.