NFL Quarterback Drake Maye has no switch for competition, and it turns out that does not stop when he leaves the building.
Speaking ahead of New England’s AFC Championship game last week, the New England Patriots quarterback said he and his wife, Ann Michael, are relentlessly competitive with each other, no matter the setting.
Maye, 23, told reporters the dynamic plays out everywhere, from downtime at home to the offseason, describing his wife as a “great athlete” who never shies away from a challenge.
“It could be board games,” Maye said in a video shared by WEEI reporter Tom Carroll.
The quarterback said his wife recently “started playing mahjong” but admitted he has not “gotten into that” yet. Still, he said competition usually finds its way in.
“But, something like that, or playing Battleship or cards or anything that goes with me playing her.”
The couple have also carried that mindset into physical competition. During the offseason, Maye said they picked up tennis together, though he has been cautious as the Patriots chase a Super Bowl.
“But she’s picked up tennis and she’ll try anything we can compete in. She’s a great athlete,” he said, adding that he has tried to “take it easy on the shoulder a little bit.”
Maye and Ann Michael met as teenagers and married in June 2025. She was in attendance earlier this season when the quarterback led New England out at Gillette Stadium.
Those comments came just days before Maye delivered the biggest win of his young career.
Maye leads Patriots back to the Super Bowl
New England Patriots booked their place in Super Bowl LX with a gritty 10–7 road win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
Playing in snow-filled conditions, Maye threw for just 86 yards but avoided turnovers and leaned into his mobility. He finished with 65 rushing yards and a touchdown, doing enough as the Patriots relied heavily on their defense.
New England managed only 3.2 yards per play on offense, while its lone touchdown came after a fumble recovery set up a short field. The defense controlled the night, holding Denver to 181 total yards and forcing two key takeaways.
On the field after the game, Maye credited the effort around him while soaking in the moment.
“What an atmosphere out here,” Maye said in an interview with CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. “Battled the elements. Love this team. How about the defense? I love each and every one of them, man. Pats are back, baby.”
Maye said the unit has carried New England throughout the postseason, while insisting the offense will raise its level on the biggest stage.
“Defense has been stepping up all playoffs,” he said. “We’re gonna play better. I’m just proud of this team … It took everybody.”
He also praised head coach Mike Vrabel after guiding the Patriots to an AFC title in his first season on the sideline.
“From Day 1, he’s been the same guy,” Maye said. “Coaches hard, but at the same time cares about us a lot. We love Coach, love playing for him. We got some more work to do.”
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