New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye has angered some fans following a comment he allegedly made after the Patriots' blowout loss to the New York Jets on Thursday night.
The rookie quarterback made his NFL debut in the Jets' 24-3 rout of the Patriots, replacing veteran Jacoby Brissett for the final five minutes of the game.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Images by Robert Deutsch-Imagn)
He completed 12 of 18 passes for 98 yards, but was sacked twice, adding to the Jets' total of seven sacks on the night.
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Thursday was a brutal reality check for the Patriots in the post-Tom Brady era. Aaron Rodgers, On the other hand, he shined in his return to MetLife Stadium, helping the Jets end an eight-game home losing streak against New England.
But Rodgers' performance apparently meant much more than just… Jets fans.
Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets smiles after defeating the New England Patriots in a game at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported after the game that Maye stood there while Rodgers gave an on-field interview. Maye reportedly said “I'm waiting for the greatest of all time” while waiting for a handshake after the game.
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The comment, shared on social media, drew the ire of Patriots loyalists who were none too pleased with the comment about a division rival.
“Tom Brady was at the game,” one person asked on X.
“Was Brady interviewing Rodgers?” another added.
“Patriots fans are going to go crazy over this,” another post read.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots warms up before a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Garafolo eventually weighed in on the social media exchange, defending Maye's comment.
“I realize this is being interpreted a certain way and I'm usually the captain of the 'There can only be one greatest player of all time' team, but Maye was simply acknowledging Rodgers as a great quarterback,” Garafolo wrote. “He wanted a moment to show his appreciation and he got it. Respect for the game and those who came before him.”
Maye's debut Thursday was not an indication that he would be the Patriots' starting quarterback going forward. Head coach Jerod Mayo clarified Friday that Brissett continues to lead the way.
“Just to be clear: Jacoby will remain our starting quarterback until I say he isn't,” Mayo said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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