Drake Maye is preparing to play in his first Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8, and much of his journey traces back to his parents, Mark Maye and Aimee Maye. From college athletics to raising four competitive sons, Mark and Aimee built a family centered on sports, discipline, and togetherness. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Mark Maye Built His Foundation at North Carolina
Mark played quarterback at the University of North Carolina from 1983 to 1988, starting for two seasons and serving as team captain in 1987. He broke multiple school records, including longest pass play and most passing yards in a game.
After college, Mark briefly joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before shoulder and arm injuries ended his pro hopes. He later returned to UNC as a graduate assistant and earned his M.B.A.
“I didn’t understand why,” Mark said in a 2023 interview with the News & Observer while reflecting on his career-ending injuries.
2. Aimee Maye Was a Basketball Standout Before Motherhood
Aimee grew up in North Carolina and starred at West Charlotte High School, earning Mecklenburg County girls’ player of the year honors her senior season. Though she could have pursued college basketball, she chose another path.
She met Mark after he returned to UNC as an assistant coach. Aimee worked in the football recruiting office and initially assumed he was married.
“I thought he was really cute,” she later shared with the Charlotte Observer, adding she figured he was “probably married with children.” He wasn’t — and their first date was at Golden Corral.
They both knew early on they wanted a big family.
“I knew he would have a lot of fun coaching his kids one day,” Aimee said.
3. Drake Maye’s Parents Raised Four College Athletes
Mark and Aimee welcomed four sons — Luke, Cole, Beau, and Drake — all of whom competed in college sports.
Luke and Beau both played basketball at UNC. Cole won an NCAA baseball title at the University of Florida. Drake followed Mark into football, eventually becoming the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
In January 2026, Drake helped lead New England to its first playoff win since 2019, setting the stage for his Super Bowl appearance.
Mark said Drake’s role as the youngest shaped his toughness.
“He had to really learn how to bring it in backyard basketball or football,” Mark explained. “He was also the smallest. That helped him in a lot of ways.”
4. Aimee Maye Kept the Household Running (and Fed)
Raising four athletic boys meant serious meal prep. One family favorite involves Aimee cooking 36 scrambled eggs at once in a massive skillet.
“I know for a fact every single time I made that meal, at the end of the meal, there was not a morsel of food left,” Aimee said. “And some of the boys would be like, ‘I’m still hungry.’ And I’m like, ‘too bad.’”
The brothers still debate who ate the most.
5. Drake Maye’s Parents Focused on Character Over Stats
While sports played a central role, Mark said values always came first.
“We are really fortunate with our family. There’s a lot to be thankful for,” he told 247Sports in 2023. “The guys have, for the most part, adhered to their values. We really tried to do our best with them and enjoy them.”
That approach helped guide Drake from backyard games to the NFL’s biggest stage — and now, to his first Super Bowl.
Mark & Aimee Maye, Drake Maye’s Parents: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know