Patriots QB Drake Maye's Unusual Nickname Explained

The story behind how the young quarterback earned the moniker "Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye"

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:55am

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has an unusual nickname - "Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye" - that has left many puzzled about its origins. While there is no definitive explanation, the prevailing theory is that Maye's exceptional play has made his own name a nickname in itself. Maye has embraced the quirky moniker, saying it's "funny" and "clever" even if no one fully understands it.

Why it matters

Nicknames are a common part of sports culture, often reflecting a player's personality, playing style, or some other unique aspect about them. Maye's nickname stands out as particularly unusual, sparking curiosity and discussion about how it came to be. The story behind it provides insight into the creative ways athletes can earn monikers that stick with them.

The details

Maye's nickname first started gaining traction on social media and in the Patriots locker room, with teammates admitting they're unsure of its exact origins. Some speculate it may have started as an ironic or tongue-in-cheek reference to Maye's standout performances. The sophomore QB has embraced the quirky nickname, saying he finds it "funny" and "clever" even if its meaning remains a mystery.

  • In November 2025, the nickname "Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye" began catching on among Patriots fans and media.
  • In an interview posted to YouTube in December 2025, Maye said he thought the nickname was "not very unique" but "pretty cool."

The players

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, known for his exceptional play that has led to the unusual nickname "Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye".

Tommy DeVito

A Patriots quarterback who admitted he has "no clue" about the origins of Maye's nickname.

Andy Borregales

A Patriots kicker who uses Maye's nickname but is also unsure where it came from, though he finds it "funny" and "a nice touch".

Tom Brady

The legendary former Patriots quarterback who has embraced Maye's nickname, calling it "an awesome nickname" after one of Maye's standout performances.

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What they’re saying

“I have no clue. I think it's just something that caught fire on TikTok or whatever.”

— Tommy DeVito, Patriots quarterback

“It is a nice touch, makes it funny, but, you know, I don't know what it means. I don't know how it became a thing, why it became a thing, but we love it.”

— Andy Borregales, Patriots kicker

“It's funny. It gets you a laugh. No one really knows what it means. I'm for it. I'm not against it. I think it's pretty cool.”

— Drake Maye

“It was a huge game from Drake "Drake Maye" Maye. It's an awesome nickname.”

— Tom Brady

What’s next

The Patriots will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday, where fans will no doubt be eager to see if Drake "Drake Maye" Maye can continue his standout play.

The takeaway

Drake Maye's unusual nickname is a testament to the creative ways athletes can earn monikers that capture the public's imagination, even if the origins remain a bit of a mystery. The story highlights how nicknames can take on a life of their own, becoming an integral part of an athlete's identity and legacy.