Patriots QB Drake Maye Holds Throwing Session at FAU

Maye's offseason visit to Florida Atlantic University offers a glimpse into the unseen bonds of the NFL

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:48am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion and intensity of a football practice, with players and field deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.An abstract, cubist interpretation of an NFL quarterback's offseason training session, capturing the dynamic energy and interconnected relationships that drive the sport.Boca Raton Today

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye recently visited Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to hold a throwing session with his receivers, showcasing the connections and mentorship that shape the NFL. The impromptu visit, facilitated by a simple text message from Maye to FAU head coach Zach Kittley, provided an unexpected learning opportunity for FAU's players and highlighted Maye's commitment to refining his skills and building chemistry with his team.

Why it matters

This story goes beyond just a routine offseason workout, as it reveals the importance of relationships, mentorship, and shared experiences in the NFL. The accessibility and humility displayed by a rising star like Maye, as well as the willingness of a college program to accommodate him, speak to the interconnected nature of football at all levels. These behind-the-scenes moments often shape the trajectory of players and teams, highlighting the unseen network that drives success in the league.

The details

Maye, escaping the New England winter, reached out to Kittley asking to use FAU's facilities to throw with his receivers. Kittley enthusiastically agreed, providing Maye and his team access to the college program's practice fields and equipment. The FAU players were in awe watching Maye and his receivers work, with Kittley noting that the route concepts they were running were nearly identical to what FAU practices. This suggests that the gap between college and pro football may not be as wide as commonly assumed, as it's often about perfecting the fundamentals rather than reinventing the wheel.

  • Maye reached out to Kittley in the spring of 2026, seeking a place to train with his receivers during the offseason.

The players

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, known for his precision, accuracy, and ability to keep receivers in stride.

Zach Kittley

The head coach of the Florida Atlantic University football team, who welcomed Maye and his receivers to use the FAU facilities for their offseason training session.

Bailey Zappe

A former New England Patriots quarterback who had worked with Maye, and whose positive reports about Maye's character and talent likely influenced Kittley's decision to accommodate the visit.

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What they’re saying

“Maye, a rising star in the NFL, didn't need a grand setup or a formal invitation—he just wanted a place to work. And Kittley, despite his own busy schedule, was more than willing to accommodate.”

— The author

“Kittley observed that the route concepts Maye and his receivers were running were nearly identical to what FAU practices. If you take a step back and think about it, this suggests that the gap between college and pro football might not be as wide as we assume.”

— The author

What’s next

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the author will be closely monitoring Maye and the Patriots to see how this offseason collaboration and mentorship continue to shape the team's success.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of relationships, mentorship, and shared experiences in the NFL, as these behind-the-scenes moments often shape the trajectory of players and teams. Maye's willingness to engage with FAU's players and share his craft demonstrates his commitment to growth and leadership, which bodes well for the Patriots as they look to build a championship-caliber culture.