Career Timeline of Drake Maye: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Drake Maye made an impact.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.