New Patriots quarterback Drake Maye: ‘Tom Brady is the GOAT’
If you want to win over the Patriots fan base, show some love to the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.
After being drafted third overall, Drake Maye paid tribute to franchise legend and icon Tom Brady. When asked by reporters what it’ll be like to play for New England and for a team that had Brady for 20 seasons, Maye admitted that he’ll never be like the six-time Super Bowl champion but hopes to learn from the all-time great.
“Tom Brady’s the GOAT. It’s easy to say that. He’s the best to ever play this game. I’m not going to be Tom Brady,” Maye said. “I’m just going to try to be Drake Maye, and from there, I’m just trying to learn from him and hopefully, try to get to know him a little bit. Other than that, try to soak it up, be a sponge, and learn all I can from him. He’s the man in that town.”
Since Brady left the Patriots, the team has now drafted two quarterbacks in the first round. Mac Jones failed in New England; part of that was on him, and the other was the coaching carousel on offense.
New England is hoping Maye will be different. He should be after going third overall and offering more upside and a better skill set than Jones.
Maye told reporters while at the NFL Combine that he watched past games of Brady because one of his coaches, North Carolina offensive analyst Clyde Christensen, who spent three seasons in Tampa Bay as his quarterbacks coach.
“Coach Christensen was my (coach), he helped with the quarterbacks in North Carolina. He coached Tom back in Tampa,” Maye said in March. “I got to watch some old film, some quarterback drills—how consistent he was and how he handled himself and took care of his body.”
Maye became the highest-drafted quarterback in Patriots history since Drew Bledsoe was the No. 1 pick in 1993. He will come with huge expectations, but he admits that he understands what kind of standards there are in Foxboro.
“I went up on the 30 visit – not only the history on the wall but just the motto there, the work ethic, you know, grind it out,” Maye said. “The Patriots have been a dynasty and one of the best areas and best sports towns. I think it’s the best in the country. I’m so looking forward to getting up there, getting to see it, getting to see Gillette Stadium, and just looking forward to that.”
