New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is putting together an incredible season. After another big win on Thursday, he celebrated with the person who has been there for it all: his wife, Ann Michael Maye. The heartfelt moment on the sidelines capped a 27-14 victory over the New York Jets.
This win extended the Patriots’ winning streak to eight games, pushed them to a 9-2 record, and strengthened Maye’s case as a 2025 MVP candidate.
What Is the Story Behind Drake Maye’s Sideline Celebration?
Ann Michael commemorated the night on Instagram with a simple caption, “Big fan of TNF,” alongside pictures from the sidelines. One of the photos captures a wholesome moment where she and Drake Maye are sharing a kiss after the game.
Drake and Ann Michael have known each other for more than a decade. According to PEOPLE, the two first met as teenagers in middle school in North Carolina. They attended William A. Hough High School together before Maye transferred to Myers Park High School, but they maintained their relationship. Later, both enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where Ann Michael finished her degree in Business Administration in 2025.
This past January, Maye proposed during a beachside trip to Mexico, shortly after completing his rookie NFL season. The couple married on June 21 in North Carolina and generously donated all their wedding gifts to local charities in their hometown.
Ann Michael has been a staple throughout Maye’s football ascent, from high school and UNC to the moment the New England Patriots drafted him in the first round in 2024. Now, she is celebrating alongside him as he leads the team to victory.
In the win against the Jets, Maye was sharp, completing 25 of 34 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots’ defense kept Jets quarterback Justin Fields in check despite his early rushing touchdown. New England fell behind 7-0 on the opening drive, but the offense answered with a 13-play, 69-yard drive of its own.
The series included a critical fourth-down completion from Maye to DeMario Douglas before rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson capped it with a 7-yard touchdown run. Henderson scored again later in the half, dragging multiple defenders into the end zone on another 7-yard run to give the Patriots a 14-7 lead.
Stefon Diggs provided a reliable target in the passing game, hauling in nine catches for 105 yards. Overall, the Patriots amassed 336 total yards compared to the Jets’ 245. Henderson finished with three total touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving.
This performance continues a stellar campaign for the young quarterback. Through 11 games, Maye has thrown for 2,836 yards with a 71.9% completion rate, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has also added 285 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.