Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Patriots Make Drake Maye Announcement on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 2:07 PM ET

The New England Patriots faced the New York Jets on Sunday on the road.

The Patriots entered the Week 17 matchup with a 12-3 record, having won 11 of their last 12 games.

Quarterback Drake Maye has looked like an MVP candidate in his second career season.

Before Sunday, he recorded 3,947 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also totaled 387 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

In the first quarter, Maye surpassed 4,000 passing yards on a 30-yard pass over the middle to Eftom Chism.

Shortly after it happened, the Patriots announced the news on social media.

"DRE MAYE," the Patriots said.

DRE MAYE pic.twitter.com/2HAj0kyDXX
— x - New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 28, 2025

The Patriots went on to complete the drive with a Rhamondre Stevenson one-yard rushing touchdown to take a 14-0 lead. They owned a commanding 35-3 lead late in the second quarter.

Maye is the fourth quarterback in the NFL to reach 4,000 passing yards this season.

The Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott, the Detroit Lions' Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford are the other three.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass against the New York Jets.© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Maye was selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has taken a big leap from his rookie season, when he threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

He was still a Pro Bowler in 2024 and earned his second nod this season.

Maye played his collegiate football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and he was the ACC Player of the Year in 2022.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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