The New England Patriots are on the brink of Super Bowl LX, but a surprising revelation from a former quarterback has injected fresh drama into the franchise’s preparations. In a candid interview that has rippled across the NFL landscape, ex-Patriots signal-caller Joe Milton accused the team of “disrespecting” him during his brief stint in New England last season. He specifically pointed to rookie sensation Drake Maye as the key obstacle that prevented him from securing a more prominent role and ultimately staying with the organization long-term.
Milton, who joined the Patriots as a depth quarterback in 2024, found himself in an unenviable position on the depth chart. Behind starter Drake Maye and veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, he served as the emergency third-string option. Speaking on WEEI’s Radio Row ahead of the big game, Milton opened up about the frustration that built during the campaign. When Maye ascended to the starting role in Week 6 after early struggles with the veteran group, Milton expected a shift in the backup hierarchy. Instead, Brissett remained the No.
2 despite limited practice reps, leaving Milton to split time primarily with Maye while feeling sidelined.
“I was the emergency quarterback,” Milton explained. “When you move Drake up to start, what should Jacoby now do? You keep him at the two because he’s a vet, but he’s not taking reps. It’s just me and Drake, the only ones practicing, but he’s still the two. I just felt disrespected.”
The comments have stunned observers, especially given the timing. The Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel, have defied expectations this season, surging through the playoffs with impressive wins en route to the Super Bowl. Maye, the young quarterback who has blossomed into a cornerstone of the franchise, has been central to that success. His poise, arm talent, and leadership have drawn praise from across the league, with former North Carolina coach Mack Brown even calling him a potential “Super Bowl guy” who could rank among the all-time greats.
Yet Milton’s grievances highlight lingering tensions from the transition period. He suggested that the organization’s commitment to Maye created an immovable barrier for others vying for snaps or roster security. This perceived favoritism, in his view, contributed to internal friction and ultimately led to his departure from New England. Milton’s time with the team was short-lived, but his remarks have reignited debates about how the Patriots handled their quarterback room during a rebuilding phase.
The fallout appears significant enough to prompt action from the top. Sources close to the situation indicate that Patriots President Robert Kraft held an emergency private meeting with the former quarterback to address the public accusations. The closed-door discussion aimed to quell the growing controversy and prevent it from becoming a distraction during Super Bowl week. Kraft, known for his hands-on approach to team matters, was unwilling to entertain any moves that might involve trading or diminishing a high-value asset like Maye.
The young QB’s development remains the cornerstone of the franchise’s future, and Kraft’s stance underscores the organization’s long-term vision over short-term noise.
This episode adds another layer to the narrative surrounding the Patriots’ remarkable turnaround. After years of struggles following the Tom Brady era, New England has reemerged as a contender, powered by Maye’s emergence and a stout supporting cast. The team has navigated criticism throughout the postseason, with some analysts and former players questioning the legitimacy of their path. Cam Newton, another ex-Patriot, has been vocal in downplaying Maye’s contributions, suggesting the quarterback was carried by the system rather than driving the success.
Newton has repeatedly called the team’s playoff run “fool’s gold” and compared Maye unfavorably to others who reached the Super Bowl on the strength of their teams rather than individual brilliance.
Despite the external barbs, the Patriots have remained focused. Vrabel has shrugged off talk of “disrespect” from outsiders, emphasizing preparation over perception. “However they have to get ready to play the football game, that’s all I care about,” he said recently. “It doesn’t matter. We’re in the Super Bowl.” Players like cornerback Carlton Davis have echoed that sentiment, noting how the team channels perceived slights into motivation without letting them derail their mission.
For Milton, airing these frustrations publicly may stem from a desire for closure after a disappointing chapter. His comments, while pointed, do not appear to accuse anyone of malice but rather highlight a mismatch in expectations and opportunities. In a league where quarterback depth can make or break seasons, the Patriots’ decision to prioritize Maye’s growth over maintaining a veteran-heavy room was strategic, if painful for those on the periphery.
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on the field. The Patriots’ opponent awaits, and Maye’s performance will define whether this young-led revival culminates in a championship. Off-field drama, including Milton’s revelations and the subsequent high-level response from Kraft, serves as a reminder that even amid triumph, old wounds can resurface. Yet the organization’s swift handling of the situation suggests a commitment to unity at a critical juncture.
The NFL world will watch closely to see if this brief storm passes or lingers. For now, the Patriots press forward, with Maye at the helm and a legacy to build. Milton’s story, while eye-opening, is unlikely to overshadow the larger tale of redemption unfolding in New England. In a season full of surprises, this latest twist ensures the drama extends beyond the gridiron—even as the biggest game of the year looms.
