Many things have gone right for Drake Maye this season, with heartwarming narratives in tow, catching the imagination of the fans. However, one of the most unexpected storylines around him has had nothing to do with his league-best accuracy, his reads, or his touchdowns. Instead, it’s tied to a nickname.
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Well, it’s not just any nickname. It’s a thoroughly nonsensical one that has somehow taken over Patriots conversations.
As Maye continues to author one of the best second-year quarterback seasons the league has seen in years, New England fans, teammates, and even media members have latched onto calling him “Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye.” There is no metaphor or no clever wordplay here… It is just his name, repeated.
Hilariously enough, even the MVP candidate isn’t entirely sure how the nickname started or why it caught on in the first place. During a recent interview, Maye was asked directly about the origin of “Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye.”
“I don’t know, I think it’s pretty clever,” Maye replied with a smile, before reiterating that it is funny nonetheless.
“I mean, it’s not very unique, but it’s… I think it’s some account or something. But the guys that call me that in the locker room, it’s funny, it gets you to laugh,” added Maye.
When pressed on whether he liked it, Maye really leaned into the absurdity: “Nobody really knows what it means. I’m for it. I’m not against it. So I think it’s pretty cool.”
Drake Maye talking about the Drake “Drake Maye” Maye nickname pic.twitter.com/km3Y8VAa59
— Drake Maye Lover (@drakemayeloverr) December 21, 2025
What’s made the nickname even more endearing is how it has bled into the rest of the Patriots ecosystem, including Drake’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, who has gone viral on TikTok for her wholesome baking videos throughout the season. Fans have started handing out nicknames for her as well.
“Bake Maye” has emerged as the favorite, while others have jokingly dubbed her “Ann Michael Maye Maye,” mirroring the quarterback’s nickname. And unsurprisingly, Maye is happy with all the attention his wife is attracting.
“In the last couple [of] weeks, her popularity [has] taken off… I think it’s just her being herself… She’s from the South, [has] southern charm. She’s just being herself on social media… and I love her for it. I tell her that all the time, ‘Don’t change for anything.’ I think she deserves all the support,” said Maye.
Nicknames usually don’t stick unless a team is winning and a quarterback is delivering. Clearly, Drake’s play has earned him the affection of a fanbase desperate for a new franchise face. And Ann has benefited, too.
Through 14 games in the 2025 season, Drake has put together a resume worthy of MVP consideration. He has thrown for 3,567 yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He’s even leading the NFL in completion percentage at 70.9%.
Add in 362 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, and Maye has become the signal-caller leading an 11-3 Patriots team that looks dominant for the first time since the Tom Brady era.
So even if Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye means absolutely nothing, it almost doesn’t matter because the Patriots are winning. And in Foxborough, that’s more than enough reason for a little joyful nonsense to take over the internet.
