History of Drake Maye in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Drake Maye is a highly touted American football quarterback who rose to prominence playing for the University of North Carolina. Known for his prototypical size, strong arm, and high football IQ, Maye demonstrated exceptional playmaking ability and poise in the pocket throughout his collegiate career. His dual-threat capabilities, combining accuracy as a passer with the athleticism to extend plays on the ground, made him one of the most coveted prospects in his draft class. Following a standout tenure at UNC, where he earned accolades for his production and leadership, Maye transitioned to the professional level as a top pick in the NFL Draft. He is widely viewed as a franchise-caliber quarterback prospect, possessing the fundamental tools, mental makeup, and physical traits necessary to excel at the highest level of professional football. His transition to the NFL is closely watched by analysts who project him as a centerpiece for a team's long-term offensive strategy.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1950: Statistical Milestone Comparison

In 1950, a historical benchmark was set that Drake Maye surpassed in his first start as a quarterback, becoming the first player since that year to throw three touchdown passes while simultaneously leading his team in rushing yards.

1973: Historical Precedent Set by Steve Ramsey

In 1973, NFL quarterback Steve Ramsey accomplished the feat of throwing his first 10 career passing touchdowns to ten different receivers, a record that stood until Drake Maye matched it during his rookie season.

1983: Historical Comparison to the 1983 NFL Draft

In 2024, the record for the number of quarterbacks selected in the first round was tied with the historical benchmark set during the 1983 NFL draft.

1993: Historical Context for Patriots Draft Picks

The year 1993 represents the last time the New England Patriots selected a player, Drew Bledsoe, within the top five picks of the NFL draft prior to Drake Maye's selection in 2024.

2000: Benchmark for EPA Efficiency Established

In 2000, the statistical tracking for Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback was established, a metric Drake Maye would later set a record for in 2025.

August 30, 2002: Birth of Drake Maye

Drake Lee Maye was born on August 30, 2002, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2015: Beginning of Relationship

Drake Maye and Ann Michael Hudson began dating in 2015, eventually leading to their marriage a decade later.

2017: Family Championship Success

In 2017, Drake Maye's family experienced significant athletic success: his brother Luke helped the UNC basketball team secure a national championship title, while his brother Cole contributed to the Florida Gators' victory in the College World Series.

2018: Patriots' last AFC Championship appearance prior to 2025 season

In 2018, the New England Patriots made their last AFC Championship appearance before Drake Maye led the team to the same stage during the 2024-2025 playoff run.

July 2019: Commitment to Alabama Crimson Tide

In July 2019, Drake Maye officially committed to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect.

2019: Patriots Division Title Benchmark

The year 2019 serves as the historical marker for the last time the New England Patriots secured a division title prior to Maye leading them to a division championship in the following years.

March 2020: Flip to North Carolina

In March 2020, Drake Maye changed his college football commitment from the Alabama Crimson Tide to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2021: Redshirt Freshman Season at UNC

During the 2021 season, Drake Maye served as a redshirt freshman for the North Carolina Tar Heels, making appearances in four games as a backup to starting quarterback Sam Howell.

2021: Patriots' Previous Playoff Drought

In 2021, the New England Patriots made their last playoff appearance before Drake Maye successfully led the team to a playoff berth in Week 16 of his later campaign.

2022: Breakout College Football Season

In 2022, Drake Maye achieved significant success while playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, earning the Shaun Alexander Award and the ACC Football Player of the Year title after leading the NCAA in total offensive yards.

2022: Breakout Season as Starting Quarterback

In 2022, Drake Maye was named the starting quarterback for North Carolina. Throughout this standout year, he achieved historic milestones, including becoming the first UNC quarterback to throw five touchdowns in a debut, leading the NCAA in total offense with 5,019 yards, and earning ACC Player of the Year honors while guiding the team to the ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl.

2023: College Football Season with Tad Hudson

During the 2023 season at UNC, Tad Hudson, the younger brother of Ann Michael Hudson, served as a backup quarterback for Drake Maye on the Tar Heels football team.

2023: Standout 2023 Football Season

During the 2023 season, Drake Maye achieved significant statistical success, including three games with over 400 passing yards against Syracuse, Miami, and Campbell University, leading to him being named second-team All-ACC with 3,608 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.

May 28, 2024: Signing of Rookie Contract

On May 28, 2024, Drake Maye officially signed a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract with the New England Patriots valued at $36.64 million.

October 8, 2024: Named Starting Quarterback

Following a 1–4 start to the season and offensive struggles from veteran Jacoby Brissett, the New England Patriots officially named Drake Maye as the starting quarterback on October 8, 2024.

2024: Declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft

Following the conclusion of his 2023 campaign, Drake Maye officially declared for the 2024 NFL draft, capping off his college career at UNC with historic rankings in passing yards and touchdowns.

2024: NFL Draft Selection and Pro Bowl Honors

In 2024, Drake Maye was selected third overall by the New England Patriots in the NFL draft and achieved Pro Bowl honors during his debut rookie season.

January 2025: Engagement Announcement

In January 2025, Drake Maye and Ann Michael Hudson publicly announced their engagement.

January 2025: Selection to 2025 Pro Bowl Games

In January 2025, Drake Maye was named as a replacement for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen to participate in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.

June 22, 2025: Marriage of Drake Maye and Ann Michael Hudson

On June 22, 2025, Drake Maye and Ann Michael Hudson officially married, following their engagement earlier that year.

2025: Record-Breaking 2025 NFL Season

During the 2025 season, Drake Maye achieved significant milestones, including a high-efficiency game against the New York Jets and finishing the year with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He was also named to the NFL All-Pro second team and placed second in MVP voting.

2025: Patriots Coaching Changes and the Emergence of a New Nickname

In 2025, the New England Patriots underwent significant coaching changes, hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach and bringing back Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, with Vrabel noting that Drake Maye's presence influenced his decision to join the team. During this same 2025 season, Maye was jokingly nicknamed "Drake Maye" by his teammates, a moniker inspired by a popular fan-run social media meme page.