JUST 10 MINUTES AGO: NFL legend Tom Brady finally spoke out, delivering a powerful message about Drake Maye after the Patriots’ gritty AFC Championship victory: “What’s happening to this kid is wrong — it’s against the spirit of football. I don’t understand how anyone can be so harsh. You’re talking about a young quarterback under immense pressure, leading a historic franchise back to the Super Bowl, showing up every single week and playing his heart out. He never points fingers, never makes excuses, and never looks for attention — he just wants to win.
In my opinion, Drake Maye is one of the best young players this sport has seen in a long time. Instead of criticizing him every time the stat line isn’t perfect, people should recognize the leadership, toughness, and winning mentality he brings to the Patriots and be there to support him.”
The statement, shared via Brady’s social media channels and quickly amplified across NFL networks, came just hours after the New England Patriots secured their spot in Super Bowl LX with a hard-fought 10-7 road victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026. In a blizzard-swept contest at Empower Field at Mile High, the Patriots’ defense dominated, limiting the Broncos to a single touchdown while Drake Maye, despite modest passing numbers (86 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions), delivered in the clutch with his legs.
A key third-down run late in the fourth quarter sealed the game-clinching first down, allowing New England to run out the clock and punch their ticket to the big game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Brady’s comments arrive amid growing scrutiny of Maye’s performance in the playoffs. While the second-year quarterback has guided the Patriots to a remarkable turnaround—from back-to-back 4-13 seasons to a 14-3 regular-season record, an AFC East title, and now a Super Bowl berth—some analysts and fans have pointed to inconsistent passing stats in the postseason. Maye has relied heavily on the ground game and a suffocating defense led by head coach Mike Vrabel’s schemes, rather than lighting up scoreboards through the air. Critics have questioned whether Maye is truly “elite” or simply benefiting from a strong supporting cast.
Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and longtime Patriots icon, pushed back forcefully against that narrative. His words echo the humility he has repeatedly praised in Maye during pre-championship interviews. Just days before the AFC title game, Brady appeared on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, highlighting Maye’s leadership: “If you’re not humble, this game will humble you… Drake Maye has that humility. Everything that comes out of his mouth is always about the team. It’s always about praising his defense, praising his offensive line. That’s how you connect with people. That’s what great leaders do—they’re in service of other people.”
The timing of Brady’s latest message is notable. It follows a season where Maye has drawn constant comparisons to Brady himself—the franchise’s greatest quarterback. Some observers, including Skip Bayless, have speculated that Maye’s rapid success might quietly irk the legend, suggesting it could “diminish” Brady’s legacy by showing how quickly the Patriots could return to contention post-Brady era. Bayless claimed Brady “doesn’t love this” and might not root for Maye in the Super Bowl. Brady’s outspoken defense of the young QB directly counters such theories, framing the criticism as unfair and contrary to football’s core values.
The Patriots’ resurgence under Mike Vrabel, named 2025 NFL Coach of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America, has been nothing short of extraordinary. After inheriting a roster in disarray following Jerod Mayo’s brief tenure, Vrabel instilled discipline, culture, and a blue-collar mentality. The team clinched playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers (16-3) and Houston Texans (28-16) before the dramatic Denver triumph. Maye, drafted third overall in 2024, has grown into the role, blending physical tools—size, arm strength, and mobility—with the poise Brady once embodied.
In the AFC Championship, conditions favored the defense: heavy snow and wind neutralized passing attacks, turning the game into a battle of attrition. Maye’s “demoralizing” legs, as one analyst described, proved decisive. He stiff-armed a defender en route to a crucial first down, showcasing the toughness Brady now publicly champions. Post-game, Maye remained characteristically team-focused, crediting the defense and special teams for the win rather than seeking personal glory.
Brady’s intervention carries weight in New England and beyond. As a Fox broadcaster and Patriots legend, his endorsement reinforces Maye’s place as a rising star. It also serves as a broader commentary on how young quarterbacks are judged in today’s analytics-driven era, where stat lines often overshadow intangibles like leadership and winning under pressure.
As the Patriots prepare for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, the focus shifts to facing the Seattle Seahawks. Brady has confirmed he will attend the game in his hometown of San Francisco, though he stopped short of a prediction. His support for Maye, however, is unequivocal. In a league quick to criticize, Brady’s message is clear: protect the future, celebrate the grit, and let the kid play.
For Patriots fans, the words from the GOAT himself feel like validation. The franchise that once defined dominance is back on the biggest stage, led by a young quarterback Brady believes embodies the spirit of the game. Whether Maye delivers a ring remains to be seen, but Brady’s defense ensures the conversation stays rooted in respect rather than doubt.
