Drake Maye has quickly become one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. After being selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, the New England Patriots quarterback emerged as the face of the franchise, helping lead the team back into Super Bowl contention in just his second season.
But if you ask Maye what matters most, football isn’t his first answer.
Speaking to reporters in a recent interview, the 23-year-old said he sees the NFL as more than a career — he sees it as a mission field.
“I think the biggest thing is using my platform to spread the Word and spread the Good News,” Maye said.
For Maye, that’s been a consistent theme throughout his young career. He often talks about the difference between his passion and his purpose.
“There’s purpose and there’s passion,” he said. “My passion is football, and my purpose is being a believer and strong in my faith.”
Maye said staying grounded in that purpose means leaning into the Patriots’ Christian community through pregame chapel services, reading Scripture and spending time with fellow believers on the team. He has also credited team chaplain James Mitchell with encouraging him in his faith since arriving in New England.
His faith shapes his life away from football, too. During Super Bowl week, Maye spoke about his marriage to his wife, Ann Michael, calling her “one of God’s greatest blessings “and saying marrying young has been one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
