The New England Patriots are rolling into their bye week with an impressive 11-2 record, and there’s no mystery behind the engine driving their success - second-year quarterback Drake Maye has arrived, and he’s doing it in style.
Maye’s breakout season hasn’t just turned heads in Foxborough - it’s made him one of the most talked-about players across the league. With 3,412 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns to his name, he’s not just producing - he’s commanding games with poise well beyond his years. And in true New England fashion, the fans have responded in kind, crowning him with a nickname that’s as curious as it is catchy: Drake “Drake Maye” Maye.
Yes, you read that right. It’s a nickname that doubles down on his name, and while it’s clearly gained traction - even making its way onto his Pro Football Reference page - not everyone in the Patriots locker room is quite sure what to make of it.
“Do anybody know what they mean when they be like Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye?” wide receiver Kayshon Boutte asked during the team’s recent win over the Giants.
“What the hell does that mean? They giving him a middle name, I guess.”
For the record, Maye already has a middle name - Lee - so this isn’t about filling in the blanks on a birth certificate. This is about something else entirely: a fan base embracing its new franchise quarterback in the most New England way possible - with a nickname that’s equal parts confusing and endearing.
And honestly, that’s just part of the ride when you’re winning in New England. Maye’s calm demeanor, sharp decision-making, and ability to deliver in big moments have made him a fan favorite - and a nightmare for opposing defenses. The nickname might not make much sense, but neither does trying to stop Maye right now.
With the Patriots enjoying a well-earned break in Week 14, the focus now shifts to what’s ahead. And what’s ahead is a heavyweight matchup in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills - a game that could have serious playoff implications.
If Maye keeps playing like this, the nicknames will keep coming. And whether or not they make sense, one thing is clear: Drake “Drake Maye” Maye is becoming a name - and a player - that fans won’t forget anytime soon.