Few would argue the New England Patriots would be where they are currently — about to play in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks — if it weren’t for quarterback Drake Maye.
The second-year QB led the Pats to a 14-3 record, a division championship, and their first Super Bowl appearance since Tom Brady’s final season with the franchise back in 2019.
Perhaps even more impressively, Maye finished second in MVP voting at age 23, losing out to Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford in a razor-thin vote.
Stafford edged Maye out with 366 total points and 23 first-place votes. The latter had 361 points and 23 first-place votes. It was the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were named co-MVPs in 2003.
Donald Trump Raves About Drake Maye
GettyNew England Patriots QB Drake Maye
Maye’s breakout season caught the attention of many, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC on Sunday, Trump gave Maye rave reviews and giving him some unheard of praise in just his second year.
“I’ve watched both [teams] during the season, and New England is amazing because they have a second coming [at quarterback] — he’s pretty good,” Trump said. “Quarterbacks, both good. Seattle’s (is) an amazing comeback quarterback, and (Maye) is just an amazing quarterback.”
If Maye were to win a Super Bowl in his second season, Trump likely wouldn’t be the only one making Brady comparisons.
Brady won six Super Bowls during his Patriots tenure, with his first coming in his second season. He won his second in Year 4 and his third in Year 5.
Trump Noncommittal With Super Bowl Prediction
GettyU.S. President Donald Trump
Unlike last year when Trump predicted the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the President decided to stay neutral this year.
“I think it’s going to be a great game — I better not make any predictions, you’ll get yourself in big trouble, but I think it’s going to be a really great game,” Trump said.
“Seattle’s had an amazing season. And New England has a great tradition of winning. [Owner] Bob Kraft’s done a fantastic job. The whole thing is…it’s going to be really exciting. The quarterback situation is interesting [they’re both great].”
Trump Sounds Off on Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub
While Trump kept his cards close to the vest as to who he thinks will win Sunday’s game, he was much more vocal about former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
“I thought it was terrible,” Trump said. “I mean, he’s won so much, won so many Super Bowls — great coach, became a little bit controversial, I guess, after that. During it, he was just a great coach. I thought it was very inappropriate. … He has had a little controversial year-and-a-half, two years, maybe. But what difference does that make? He should be in there right at the top.”
Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub was met with strong reactions from fans and analysts alike during the week.
Belichick, who has the most Super Bowl wins (six) and playoff wins (31), and the third-most regular-season wins (302) among NFL head coaches, is one of the most accomplished head coaches in NFL history.
Donald Trump Sends Strong Message to Patriots’ Drake Maye Before Super Bowl