The New England Patriots are gearing up for the 12th Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Head coach Mike Vrabel is readying his team and MVP-level quarterback Drake Maye for the biggest NFL game of all.
As the media hype blossoms, Maye has indicated his heroes growing up weren't any NFL icons — but his older brothers.
Certainly, having three older brothers provides a lot of role models around his age to emulate. Yet, when the whistle blows against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, it will be youngest Maye who gets under center to try to lasso a seventh Lombardi Trophy for the Patriots.
Drake Maye had ready-made role models in his home
When Drake Maye grew up, he had those three older brothers to help guide him along the road, including in sports. It's no surprise that he'd single out their importance in his development both as a player in sports and as an individual.
#Patriots QB Drake Maye says his heroes are his brothers:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 3, 2026
“Probably my older brothers… [Being able to learn] from them, and be the youngest brother, and have the opportunity to have something to chase.”
(🎥 @NFL)pic.twitter.com/GDmJz7RGWm
When Maye takes the field against Seattle, those challenges provided by his older siblings and his striving for excellence will be on full display. It's been quite clear from the outset of his professional career that his internal fiber was strong.
Drake Maye has overcome obstacles even in his professional career
Being a steely-eyed athlete has been of great significance to Drake Maye even early in his NFL career. He entered Foxborough with monstrous expectations as the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He was passed over by two other teams before the Patriots selected Maye with that third pick. It was the beginning of a renaissance for both Kraft and the team.
Entering a team with weak leadership both on and off the field, Maye was up against serious odds to advance his NFL career. He opened his rookie campaign behind veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and the result was seeing few first-team reps in practice until about the fourth week of the 2024 season.
With a dismal supporting cast, Maye started 12 game and threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Yet, even more impressive was his 66 percent completion percentage while being constantly harassed by pass-rushers. The Patriots' offensive line surrendered 52 sacks in 2024. The surroundings were harsh, but Maye overcame.
That 2024 team lost six games by only one score. It was clear to a perceptive eye that upgrades in key places could bridge that gap. Maye earned a Pro Bowl spot, further demonstrating the appreciation others felt for his performance. Mike Vrabel saw this potential and knew that if he put an NFL-capable cast around Maye, he'd be even better.
Varbel did so, and the Patriots went from worst to first and are playing the Super Bowl. There's no doubt that Maye's heroes, his brothers, were vital role models who helped steel his resolve to win and to overcome any obstacle in his path.
There's only one more game to play in the 2025 season. Don't be surprised if the supremely talented, determined, and unflappable Maye overcomes the only obstacle left this season and wins a seventh Lombardi Trophy for Patriot Nation. It's what he was groomed by his older brothers to do.