Drake Maye’s Ex-College Coach Has Huge Expectations For Patriots QB

A former college football head coach thinks Drake Maye is just getting started.

Maye will conclude his second NFL season by leading the New England Patriots into a Super Bowl LX matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The 23-year-old quarterback isn’t far removed from playing under Mack Brown at North Carolina.

In an essay narrated to The Athletic’s Jayson Jenks, Brown predicted a Patriots victory. He also set a lofty standard for Maye to become New England’s next legendary signal-caller.

“He’s going to be more driven every step of the way in the NFL,” Brown said of Maye. “Nothing he did was ever good enough, which is why he’s great. It’s also why I think he will end up winning a Super Bowl — and why I think he’ll end up being one of the best to ever play.”

The piece opened with Brown, who began coaching in 1973, declaring that he’s “never seen a more competitive person” than Maye. He recalled Maye defeating defensive backs in foot races and breaking a ping-pong paddle after losing to a teammate.

Brown also said Maye turned down big NIL offers to leave North Carolina after the 2022 season. He told his coach that he cared more about winning than money.

To Brown, Maye possesses the perfect combination of drive and humility to flourish at a high level.

“He wanted to be in that position. He wanted to be that guy,” Brown said. “Drake had a very strong confidence, but he was also very humble. But he was also very competitive. That’s what made him so special. It’s rare to have all three of those traits.”