New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said he is fully behind head coach Mike Vrabel and does not believe recent off-field matters will be a distraction for the defending AFC champions.
Speaking Wednesday after the Truist Championship Pro-Am in Charlotte, where he played alongside PGA Tour professional Gary Woodland on the back nine at Quail Hollow, Maye described Vrabel as “a great human being.”
“No, I don’t,” Maye said when asked if Vrabel’s situation would be a distraction. “I mean, he’s our head coach. I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready.”
Vrabel has been involved in controversy since the New York Post published photos of him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. On April 24, Vrabel said he was taking accountability for his actions but did not offer specifics about the photos.
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Vrabel missed the third day of the draft to attend counseling. He said he had hard conversations with his family, his team, and Patriots staff members.
“My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t,” Vrabel said.
When asked whether these issues were something the team would need to move past before the season, Maye responded, “I think that’ll take care of itself.”
“I know he’s got the right mindset, and I know he’s a great human being,” Maye said. “I think he’s … like I said, I love playing for him.”
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Maye was the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and grew up in Huntersville, North Carolina. He led the Patriots to an appearance in Super Bowl 60 in his second season and was runner-up to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award in 2025.
Maye also commented on his former teammate Stefon Diggs’ acquittal on charges related to an alleged assault. The incident stemmed from Dec. 2, when Jamila Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument at his Massachusetts home.
Diggs faced a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge, to which he pleaded not guilty. After deliberating less than two hours, a jury cleared Diggs of all charges. Although the verdict cleared him in court, the NFL could still impose discipline.
“Well, you know, he’s always been a great teammate to me, and I know he’ll do great things,” Maye said. “I was fortunate enough to have a year with him, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to him. He’s a great player.”
Maye also discussed a shoulder injury that affected him late last season. He said he feels “great” now.
“Nothing, nothing, no problems at all,” he said, noting he did not need surgery.
The Patriots are scheduled to open a three-day rookie minicamp Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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