The New England Patriots turned over a new leaf under Mike Vrabel, and the other most important factor in their renaissance is their young emerging superstar quarterback, Drake Maye. That hasn't slipped the attention of one of the Patriots' "other GOATS", Rob Gronkowski, who trolled his famous teammate Tom Brady, saying his new favorite quarterback is Maye.
It's all in good fun, of course, and all three had a great time enjoying the prank. Since his retirement, the jovial Gronk has become a broadcast celebrity of sorts, and his popularity hasn't fallen much from his days as the best tight end ever on the planet.
Gronkowski's trademark monster three-step spikes after a touchdown added to his popularity. He was secure in his status as the top tight end in the NFL and wasn't shy about displaying his confidence. Yet, spikes notwithstanding, the ever-humble Gronk was never one to pound his chest or mouth off by saying he was the best. He didn't have to; the entire football world knew it anyway.
Gronk's pranking Brady alongside Drake Maye was a classic take
For anyone to say they have a replacement as the Patriots' favorite quarterback would be laughable, but in this case, it was literally laughable, aka funny. The monster tight-ends' easy-going manner and general likability disarmed even the best of the best, Tom Brady, who played along in perfect stride.
"This kid starts running it up, I might have to find my way back to the playing field..."@RobGronkowski had to FaceTime @TomBrady during his link-up with @DrakeMaye2 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9rLrIZknkt
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 26, 2025
It's nice to see the lighter side of sports once in a while. There's always enough negativity around. Players and individuals like Gronk and Brady (and yes, Maye) represent the best side of sports. They're unique in that they're both at the top of the food chain as players, yet also seem to be great people. It's a winning combination both on and off the field.
The hidden message in Gronk's funny video is great news for the Patriots
Gronk's video was a hoot and should be a fun take for anyone in Patriot Nation. Yet there actually was a hidden meaning in this. It's not rocket science to figure it out, but beneath the surface was a clear message to New England and the rest of the NFL world. And it's a poignant one.
The message was that even this early in Drake Maye's career, having started only 20 total games, he can still, though clearly in a jocular clip, be compared to the greatest ever. It testifies to the immense potential the young quarterback has already displayed. Shakespeare in "King Lear" wrote, "Many a true word hath been spoken in jest." Maye's performance thus far has truly been "Brady-esque".
There is no question that with the third-overall draft pick in the 2024 draft, the Patriots struck paydirt. Rumors said owner Robert Kraft had made it clear he wanted one of the top three quarterbacks available (the one at pick No. 3) to build his new team around. Luckily, it happened to be the brilliant Maye.
If those rumors are true, hats off to Mr. Kraft. After a spate of poor decision-making for half a decade, including allowing Brady to leave, he hit the megabucks with Maye. Then, to double up on great decision-making, he hired the inimitable Mike Vrabel as Head Coach to run his football operation. It's time for a good chuckle now in Patriot Nation, and the best part is, the laughs are just beginning.