NFL: Patriots QB Maye's Super Bowl journey comes 'full circle'

Drake Maye will play in his first Super Bowl on Sunday as he leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium, the same venue where he once watched the NFL’s biggest game from the stands as a wide-eyed middle schooler.

Maye attended Super Bowl 50 with his father at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers. Nearly a decade later, the 23-year-old quarterback finds himself returning to the same stadium, this time as the Patriots’ starting signal-caller with a chance to deliver the franchise a record seventh Super Bowl title.

“My dad was fortunate enough to bring me out here and give me a chance to watch the Super Bowl as a young kid,” Maye said. “Just knowing that I’m here now is a full-circle moment. Thanks to my dad for making a middle school kid’s dream come true, and now I get a chance to make my own dream come true.”

Selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye is enjoying a breakout season in just his second year. He previously appeared at Levi’s Stadium last season as a backup quarterback during the Patriots’ 30–13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but he said this week’s experience feels entirely different.

“We played in San Francisco here last season, and I got a chance to be in the stadium, but it wasn’t the same type of environment as the Super Bowl,” Maye said. “Walking in brought back memories, knowing I’ve got family around here and remembering being here years ago.”

“Ten years later, it’s the same stadium and the same game,” he added. “It’s pretty cool and definitely a time to reflect, but at the same time, I’ve got a ball game to win.”

Maye briefly appeared on the injury report with a right shoulder issue following the Patriots’ AFC Championship win over the top-seeded Denver Broncos, raising questions about his status for the Super Bowl. However, the quarterback downplayed any concerns.

“I’m feeling great,” Maye said. “We’ve had a full week of practice, and everything has felt good since Monday. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and having a normal week. I feel good and ready to go.”

-Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Toby Davis / Reuters