All NFL players face adversity at some point in their careers, and New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is no exception. Early on, he’s learned a great deal about his resilience and ability to handle challenges, which he shared has been a valuable part of his development.
“I think it’s about bouncing back from adversity—whether it’s a tough moment in a game or throughout the season,” Maye explained on Wednesday. “Starting out, you want to be the starter and work through challenges, whether they’re in the locker room or on the field. And when I’m out there playing, I’ve had to push through some tough moments.”
Maye demonstrated this mindset in the recent win against the Chicago Bears. After a first-quarter interception, he rebounded by leading a touchdown drive, completing all five passes for 54 yards and a score. He later executed a smart end-of-half drive that set up a field goal, securing extra points for the team.
“Having a short memory is key for a quarterback,” Maye said. “You see it a lot in the NFL—quarterbacks have to bounce back from mistakes, like interceptions. It’s hard to go right back out there and throw again, especially against a strong defense. But you have to shake it off and trust your teammates.”
Despite being the youngest player on the team, Maye is already stepping into a leadership role. He has kept a steady demeanor on the field, supporting his teammates through both highs and lows. The team even highlighted his encouraging presence in a recent mic’d-up segment.
“Being even-keeled is something I’ve always had,” Maye noted. “But sometimes showing a little frustration can motivate the offense to pick things up, especially during practice. It’s about finding a balance—knowing when to get intense and when to lift guys up. Everybody responds well to positive energy.”
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