New England Patriots fans have claimed that the franchise is ‘back’ in the big time as Tom Brady posed with team rookie quarterback Drake Maye at a Fanatics event in LA.
The six-time Super Bowl champion and third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft were all smiles at a morning meeting with other rookies on Sunday, as they talked about ‘sports and business,’ according to an Instagram post shared by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin.
Other attendees included Jay-Z, as well as rookie QBs Caleb Williams and Jayden Williams among others.
Earlier this month, Maye wrapped up his first taste of NFL workouts at the Patriots’ rookie minicamp on May 11. New England head coach Jerod Mayo gave some insight on the 21-year-old’s work ethic, saying he had been at the team facility ‘all night’ on May 10.
‘We’ll be here till 7, 8, 9 o’lock. Go in for a lift, then we have some meetings,’ Maye said after practice behind Gillette Stadium. ‘The best thing about minicamp is being around the guys for the first time. We’re at the hotel together. We’re right across the hallway from each other, so we’ll watch the film and look at the scripts for the next day together.
Tom Brady and Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye attended a Fanatics meeting in L.A. on Sunday
![Maye, 21, with Patriots owner Robert Kraft (L) after being drafted third overall by New England](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/20/00/85078143-13436457-image-a-12_1716159970238.jpg)
Maye, 21, with Patriots owner Robert Kraft (L) after being drafted third overall by New England
‘We’ve got nothing else to do up here. Why not focus on football?’
The laser focus already has rubbed off on fellow rookies, including wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who was drafted one round after Maye.
‘Guy can sling it. Very confident and vocal. He’s a leader,’ Polk said. ‘He’s setting the tone in practice, trying to get guys moving around and operating at a high level. This is new to all of us. We’re still learning and trying to get to know each other so everybody can get on the same page.’
![Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was impressed with Maye's worth ethic at the team's rookie camp earlier in May](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/20/00/85078205-13436457-image-a-13_1716160029586.jpg)
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was impressed with Maye’s worth ethic at the team’s rookie camp earlier in May
Focusing on fundamentals, namely footwork, is a priority for Maye since arriving in New England.
‘I’m trying out two new stances that I’m getting used to. Just getting more reps at it,’ Maye said. ‘Footwork is huge. It’s something that’s not easy.’
The learning curve after playing in college at North Carolina will include becoming familiar with the region’s weather patterns. Practice featured a gusty breeze, a possible preview of coming attractions when November and December roll around.
‘He has a lot to work on, but I have no doubt that he will put the time in,’ Mayo said.