NFL legend Peyton Manning admitted that New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has the kind of arm talent and athletic ability that “jumps out at you.”
Manning and Maye are both in Orlando at the Pro Bowl. The Hall of Fame quarterback clearly liked what he saw from Maye in his rookie season with the Patriots. Despite the roster lacking offensive weapons, Maye still managed to shine for the Patriots.
And he never made excuses.
“He’s a natural leader, and then when you watch him throw, …his arm just jumps out at you and then his athletic ability,” said Manning. “You see, Drake is very accountable. When things go well, you see him giving credit to his receivers and linemen. When things don’t go well, you see him starting with himself.
“…I like guys that are honest and aren’t trying to hide from it. He owns it, and I think all of those things are going to serve him well.”
“That’s what New England fans want to have – a quarterback who’s a great competitor that has a lot of pride.”
Peyton Manning discusses @DrakeMaye2 at this year’s #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/D6vb3mJjVC
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 31, 2025
Maye is looking to build off a strong rookie season that saw him record 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He only started in 12 games for the Patriots behind a struggling offensive line.
The stage is set for Maye to have a strong sophomore campaign, especially if the Patriots put the right pieces around him. They’ll have the assets to do so in the offseason with the most money to spend in free agency and the No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft.
