New England Patriots’ return to the Super Bowl stage has been driven by the rapid ascent of quarterback Drake Maye.
In just his second NFL season, the 23-year-old has guided New England to a 14-3 record, a division title, and its first Super Bowl appearance since Tom Brady’s final year with the franchise in 2019.
Maye’s breakout campaign has not only reshaped the Patriots’ trajectory but also placed him firmly among the league’s elite.
His performance throughout the season made him a centerpiece of New England’s resurgence and a major reason they now face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Narrow MVP race highlights Maye’s elite season
Maye’s impact was further underlined by his finish in the NFL MVP voting. He placed second behind Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in one of the tightest races in recent history.
Stafford earned 366 total points with 23 first-place votes, while Maye finished just behind with 361 points and the same number of first-place votes.
The margin marked the closest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were named co-MVPs in 2003, reinforcing how quickly Maye has established himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
Donald Trump weighs in ahead of Super Bowl LX
Maye’s standout season has drawn attention well beyond the football world. During a pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC, U.S. President Donald Trump offered high praise for the young quarterback while discussing both Super Bowl teams.
“I’ve watched both [teams] during the season, and New England Patriots 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.”
The remarks added another layer to the growing Super Bowl narrative surrounding Maye and underscored how widely his performances have been noticed.
Brady comparisons resurface as history beckons
Should Maye lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory in his second season, comparisons to Tom Brady are likely to intensify.
Brady won his first Super Bowl in his second year, beginning a run that ultimately produced six championships in New England Patriots colors.
As Super Bowl LX approaches, Maye stands on the brink of history, carrying both lofty expectations and growing national attention into the biggest game of his young career.