Drake Maye’s Exciting Homecoming with the Patriots
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye prepares to face off against his childhood team, the Carolina Panthers, this Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Hailing from Huntersville, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte, Maye grew up idolizing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Recalling Super Bowl 50, Maye remembers the Panthers’ loss, where he witnessed the game as a 12-year-old fan.
“I went to the Super Bowl when they lost to Peyton Manning, and that was tough,” he shared.
Maye reminisced about the Panthers’ remarkable 15-1 season, emphasizing his excitement about the NFC Championship game they hosted.
“Just being a fan of Cam Newton was probably the biggest memory,” said Maye.
His admiration for Newton turned into a relationship, as Maye later had the chance to train under him.
“Getting to know him later on and playing him, it’s been pretty cool,” Maye said.
As the Patriots prepare for their matchup, Maye is keen to keep expectations in check.
Although playing against his former idol feels surreal, he chooses to treat it as another game.
“It’s different playing up here,” he remarked, noting that Charlotte would have felt more like home.
With the Patriots struggling early in the season with a record of 1-2, Maye aims to help steer the team toward a winning path.
The Patriots recently lost to the Steelers, plagued by turnovers, an issue that resonated with Maye.
He reflected on how crucial it will be to minimize mistakes going forward.
“Not beating ourselves is the big thing. Shoot, it’s turnovers. Turnovers are such a big deal in this league,” he stated.
Maye believes controlling the football and addressing turnovers is essential to the team’s success.
The Patriots and Panthers have a symmetrical rivalry, standing at 4-4 in their all-time series.
The last meeting took place in 2021, where the Patriots secured a decisive victory of 24-6.
For Maye, stepping on the field against the team he once cheered for as a kid is a unique experience.
“It’s a little different, but at the same time, it’s still just another week in the NFL,” he remarked.
Yet, he highlights how most players he once admired are no longer part of the squad.
“None of the same players that I grew up rooting for besides the long snapper are still there,” he pointed out.
Ultimately, this match is not just a career milestone for Maye; it’s a testament to his growth and the journey he has undertaken to get to this point.
As he takes the field on Sunday, he carries both nostalgic memories and the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
In a few short days, we will see if Maye can channel those memories into a successful performance against a team that significantly shaped his football journey.