Patriots QB Drake Maye Reaches First Super Bowl

Mack Brown, Maye's former coach at UNC, says the young QB was "built for Super Bowls"

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Drake Maye, the New England Patriots' first-round draft pick in 2024, will play in his first Super Bowl next week at just 24 years old. Maye's former coach at the University of North Carolina, Mack Brown, says he always knew Maye had the potential to reach the NFL's biggest stage, telling scouts that Maye was a "Super Bowl guy" who would "win a Super Bowl."

Why it matters

Maye's rapid rise to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season is a testament to his talent and potential. As one of the youngest quarterbacks to ever reach the Super Bowl, his success could mark the beginning of a long and storied career at the highest level of the sport.

The details

Maye finished his two-year run as the Tar Heels' starting quarterback with 62 touchdowns and 8,018 passing yards. Under Brown's coaching, UNC went 17-10 with Maye at the helm, including an ACC Championship Game appearance in 2022. In his first season with the Patriots, Maye posted a league-best completion percentage and was recognized as an MVP finalist.

  • Maye was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • Maye will play in his first Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.

The players

Drake Maye

The New England Patriots' first-round draft pick in 2024, who will play in his first Super Bowl next week at just 24 years old.

Mack Brown

Maye's former head coach at the University of North Carolina, who says he always knew Maye had the potential to reach the NFL's biggest stage.

Bill Belichick

The former NFL coach who was hired by North Carolina after the school parted ways with Mack Brown in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“I told scouts when they would come through that he's a Super Bowl guy, He'll win a Super Bowl. I didn't know he was going to have a chance to be the second-youngest guy to ever do it.”

— Mack Brown, Former UNC Head Coach

“I think Drake has the upside right now that, I hope he wins this one, if he doesn't, then there's another Super Bowl out there for Drake. I think Drake will go down not only being one of the best that I've ever coached, but one of the best to ever play.”

— Mack Brown, Former UNC Head Coach

What’s next

The Patriots and Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.

The takeaway

Drake Maye's rapid rise to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season is a testament to his immense talent and potential. His former coach's confidence in Maye's ability to reach the game's biggest stage has been validated, and the young quarterback now has a chance to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.