Drake Maye is heading into rare air-and he’s doing it fast. The New England Patriots quarterback is set to become the first second-year signal caller to start in a Super Bowl since Ben Roethlisberger did it back in 2009. And much like Big Ben back then, Maye hasn’t just been along for the ride-he’s been the engine.
Maye’s rise this season has been nothing short of electric. He’s not only guided the Patriots back to the big stage, but he’s also thrown himself squarely into the MVP conversation with a regular season that turned heads across the league. Now, with a showdown against the Seattle Seahawks looming on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, all eyes are on the 23-year-old phenom to see if he can finish the job.
And as fate would have it, the last guy to do what Maye’s trying to pull off has chimed in.
Ben Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl win in just his second season under center, shared his thoughts on Maye’s moment during an appearance on the “First Things First” podcast. And while he’s pulling for the young QB, there’s a bit of a twist.
“I think he's got a chance to break my youngest quarterback record that's been running for a long, long time now, which I'm rooting for,” Roethlisberger said. “I'm rooting for him, but I'm not rooting for the Patriots, because then they pass the Steelers on the list of most Super Bowls, so I'm kind of torn there.”
That’s the kind of honesty you expect from a guy who’s been through it-and who still bleeds black and gold. Roethlisberger famously completed 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII, leading the Steelers to a 27-23 win over the Cardinals.
It was a performance that cemented his place in NFL lore. Now, Maye will try to etch his own name into that same history book.
But Roethlisberger didn’t just stop at rooting interests-he also offered some sage advice for Maye as he prepares for the biggest game of his young career.
“The advice that I would give him is just let the game come to you,” Roethlisberger said. “If you try and do too much, you can really get yourself in a pickle. I think he's been playing so well right now, utilizing his legs, and I think that's where he can kind of shine.”
That mobility has been a key part of Maye’s game all season-and especially in the playoffs. Roethlisberger emphasized that Maye’s instincts and athleticism could be the difference-maker against a Seahawks defense that’s known for being opportunistic and physical.
“It’s like, listen, if it’s not there, take off and let your legs be the catalyst to get you that first down or whatever,” Roethlisberger added. “As the game kind of comes to him, he just seems to keep playing better and better, so it would be exciting to see what he has to bring against a really good defense in Seattle, obviously.”
And Maye’s numbers back up the hype. He closed out the regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, completing a league-best 72% of his passes. He’s kept that momentum rolling in the postseason, throwing for 533 yards and four touchdowns over three playoff games.
Now comes the ultimate test. The Seahawks bring a fast, aggressive defense that thrives on disrupting rhythm and forcing mistakes. But if Maye sticks to what’s worked-staying poised, using his legs when needed, and letting the game come to him-he’s got a real shot at making history.
No matter what happens on February 8, one thing’s clear: Drake Maye isn’t just the future of the Patriots-he’s already reshaping the present. And if he can channel the moment like Roethlisberger once did, he might just bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Foxborough.