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In just his second NFL season, Drake Maye narrowly missed out on league MVP honors and led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl.
While the 23-year-old has been widely praised on the field, he received perhaps his most meaningful support just before Sunday’s kickoff. The new quarterback’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, was on the Levi’s Stadium sideline for pregame warmups.
After spotting Ann, Maye embraced his wife and kissed before continuing his preparations to compete on the game’s biggest stage.
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Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots hugs his wife Ann Michael Maye prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Pro Bowl quarterback married his high school sweetheart last June in North Carolina. In an act of charity, the couple donated their wedding gifts to the homeless, The News & Observer reported.
Maye first went public with her relationship with Ann in 2020, captioning a New Year’s post of the pair saying “Bring in ’20 with a 10”.
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Maye has been outspoken about her views on marriage. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, Maye said he would advise all of his teammates to do so get married at some point in their lives.
Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots warms up before the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“My teammates have the right to do whatever they choose,” he said. “I would definitely advise them to eventually get married. It’s one of the best things in life. It’s one of the best things I’ve experienced in my life. There’s no better feeling than coming home to a wife who loves you and cares about you and is concerned about your best interests.
“I know my teammates, some of them are experiencing different parts of their lives at what stages. But I chose to get married young and I don’t regret it for a second.”
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) leaves the field at halftime against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026; Santa Clara, California. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Maye and Ann both attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Maye finished his two-year run as the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback with 62 touchdowns. He threw for 8,018 yards over his three years in a North Carolina uniform.
Shortly after the Patriots selected Maye in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Ann took to social media to express her support and excitement.
“Drake, words cannot describe how proud I am of you. What an incredible blessing it has been to be by your side through all of this,” she captioned the Instagram post from 2024. “I love you and can’t wait for this next chapter! GO PATS!!”
Maye appeared in 13 games in his rookie season. In his first season under coach Mike Vrabel, Maye had a league-best completion percentage. He finished the regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes.
