Drake Maye is doing something in New England that hasn’t been done since the Tom Brady era - and he’s doing it with a poise and presence that’s turning heads across the league. The Patriots are back in the AFC Championship Game for the first time since Brady’s departure, and the rookie-turned-leader under center is a big reason why.
And now, Brady himself is weighing in.
On The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the seven-time Super Bowl champ broke down what makes Maye such a natural fit for the job he once held - and it wasn’t about arm strength or deep-ball accuracy. It was about leadership.
“Drake Maye has that humility,” Brady said. “Everything that comes out of his mouth is always about the team. It’s always about praising his defense, praising his offensive line, and that’s how you connect with people.”
That mindset - putting the team first, deflecting praise, lifting up the guys around you - is classic Brady. And it’s something he believes should be the standard, not the exception.
“Great leaders are in service to other people,” Brady continued. “It’s not, what can you do for me.
It’s what can I do for you. How can I be the best to support your dreams, your goals, your vision?
… True leadership is about humility because true leadership is about service.”
That’s high praise coming from arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. And it speaks volumes about the way Maye has handled his rapid rise in New England.
Let’s be honest - no one would’ve blamed the 23-year-old if he’d started to believe the hype. After all, he just wrapped up a stellar second season, completing 72 percent of his passes for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns. He’s in the MVP conversation, and he’s led the Patriots on a playoff run that’s rekindled memories of the franchise’s glory days.
But through it all, Maye has stayed grounded. No flashy headlines.
No “look at me” moments. Just a steady, team-first approach that’s resonated in the locker room and beyond.
Even with some bumps along the way - including a few turnover issues this postseason - Maye has delivered when it matters. He’s already notched playoff wins over the Chargers and Texans, racking up 447 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns in the process.
Now comes the next big test: a Denver Broncos defense that’s been one of the stingiest in the league. They’ll bring pressure, disguise coverages, and try to rattle the young quarterback when the Patriots and Broncos square off this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
But if Maye’s shown us anything, it’s that he doesn’t flinch. He’s not trying to be the next Tom Brady - he’s just trying to be the best version of himself. And right now, that version has New England one win away from the Super Bowl.