Former University of North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has expressed high regard for Drake Maye, highlighting him as a remarkable player and leader. Maye, currently in his second season as the quarterback for the New England Patriots, has been making waves in the NFL.
Before his rise to fame in the professional league, Maye was a standout at the University of North Carolina, where he drew considerable attention as a top recruit. His decision to play for the Tar Heels was influenced by family ties; his father played for the team in the 1980s, and two of his brothers were basketball players at the university.
As the Patriots gear up to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, needing a victory to secure a spot in Super Bowl LX, Brown reflected on Maye”s time at UNC. “He”s what you want in an athlete. He”s got character. He”s a guy that everyone can look up to. He”s got tremendous faith, and the man competes. I just love watching him play,” Brown stated.
Brown emphasized Maye”s loyalty to North Carolina, noting that he had opportunities to transfer to more prominent programs but chose to remain with the Tar Heels. “I loved Drake because I said he”s to North Carolina what the Mannings were to Ole Miss with Eli and Archie,” Brown mentioned. “He couldn”t leave that state because he meant so much to that university and that state.” He added that even when faced with the departure of an offensive coordinator and lucrative offers from other schools, Maye stayed true to his roots. “Drake sat down with me and I said, “Who do you want to hire? What are you looking for?” It”s like talking to an adult. He said, “I want someone to work with my feet, I want someone to work with my release, I want to get better.”
Brown is optimistic about Maye”s future in the NFL, declaring, “Drake Maye will win a Super Bowl.” He expressed his admiration for Maye”s development at the professional level, emphasizing that it is no surprise he is on the verge of reaching a Super Bowl at just 23 years old. “I”d just like to say Drake, I love you. I appreciate you. My life”s better because you”re in it. And I”m a huge fan,” Brown remarked when asked about his message for Maye. “Every time I see you on Saturday or Sunday making plays, I”ve seen those same plays at North Carolina. And when the scouts would come through and ask me “What do you think about Drake Maye?” I”d say “Drake Maye will win a Super Bowl wherever he goes before he gets through playing.”
