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Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Melissa Lucier, a seasoned business owner, operates a gift and home-design shop in Westwood, Massachusetts. This store opened over a decade before the New England Patriots’ 23-year-old quarterback, Drake Maye, was even born.
The shop has recently had a football-themed makeover.
“Aren’t we all thrilled that the Pats are back?” Lucier expressed, detailing how the front window of her 1,500-square-foot space is now adorned in red, white, and blue and features a depiction of Maye in his blue Patriots jersey and silver helmet, celebrating with his right index finger raised.
The “A-Maye-Zing” window was brought to life by local artist Joan Aylward and illustrates how Maye’s rapid ascent to fame has also elevated his wife, Ann Michael Maye, and united the community.
“We need all the feel-good stories. The Mayes are spreading joy, and I want to partake in that,” Lucier added.
Maye’s MVP-caliber performance has propelled the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS). His down-to-earth demeanor has fostered a dedicated following among fans. An Instagram account called “Drake Maye Lover” boasts over 300,000 followers, and he has a nickname — Drake “Drake Maye” Maye — that initially puzzled teammates but is starting to gain traction. plus, Maye’s No. 10 jersey ranks second in sales this season, only behind Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.
Lucier quipped, “Ann Michael might even be a tad more famous!”
Ann Michael gained popularity on social media when she baked a different treat every day of December, leading up to Christmas — an event she referred to as “Bakemas” — and shared her creations on TikTok. She often passed along treats to Maye’s Patriots teammates, making it a hot topic in the locker room.
Last Sunday, she stole the spotlight again when she wore the trending “I [heart emoji] Drake Maye” shirt to the win against the Houston Texans. Initially a fan favorite, the shirt is now officially licensed by the NFL Players Association and sold in the team Pro Shop, further demonstrating the fans’ affection for him.
Ann Michael Maye was dressed perfectly in the “I ❤️ Drake Maye” hoodie
HOUvsNE on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/7gONLcEY5G— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
“Everyone adores Drake,” said Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte. “The shirt is stylish, and while everyone supports him in their own unique way, it’s a fantastic way to show it.”
Teammates note that despite the media attention and success, Maye has stayed the grounded individual he was during his rookie year. He is aware of the adoration he receives.
“I’m thankful for how the fans have welcomed me here in New England as a Southern kid. It’s been enjoyable,” said Maye, who hails from North Carolina. “I aim to provide them something to cheer about.”
Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye
Boutte has become one of Maye’s favorite targets, as demonstrated by his remarkable one-handed 32-yard touchdown catch last Sunday. yet, they hadn’t figured out a detail that perplexed Boutte earlier in the season.
During the Patriots’ victory over the New York Giants on Dec. 1, Boutte was humorously heard on the sidelines asking teammates, “Does anyone understand what ‘Drake … Drake Maye … Maye’ means? What in the world does that signify?”
It turns out he’s not alone in his confusion.
“I’m still trying to figure it out,” admitted Patriots starting right tackle Morgan Moses, who at 34, is the longest-tenured player on the team. “Maybe I’m just getting old.”
The nickname gained traction on social media, especially from the “Drake Maye Lover” Instagram account, which currently has 345,000 followers, and the “Drake Maye Lover” account on “X” with around 59,000 followers. These accounts are maintained by a lifelong Patriots fan who prefers to remain anonymous.
“In May 2024, I made the account as a joke that entertained my friends. It was initially just meant to be an inside joke,” the creator stated.
“As the Patriots and Drake excelled this year, it gained momentum. yet, there has been a loyal following from the start.”
The rising popularity was apparent when the fourth video posted compared Maye to Tom Brady during Maye’s rookie season when the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record. It garnered more than 1 million views.
“I sensed there might be something special about this, but I never imagined it would grow so significantly,” the creator reflected.
Meanwhile, the nickname Drake “Drake Maye” Maye took off from commenters engaging with the posts.
“It originated as a lighthearted joke among my followers and me. We drew inspiration from athletes with similar monikers in history,” the creator explained.
Maye, during a December interview with NBC, mentioned that some teammates have begun to refer to him in this manner.
“It’s amusing. It certainly evokes a chuckle,” Maye remarked. “What it really signifies? Who knows?”
This hasn’t hindered players and coaches from putting their unique spin on it.
“I try to incorporate it into my speech at least once a day, but I often fumble,” said Patriots quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant with a chuckle. “‘Is it ‘Drake Maye … Drake Maye’? Or ‘Drake Drake … Maye Maye’? My wife teases me about it all the time. Josh [McDaniels] asked me about its origins, and I told him it’s because he has the simplest nickname; his nickname is just his name.
“That reflects his character. He’s a competitive and passionate individual. But when I heard that, I thought, ‘How fitting.’
‘Bakemas’ Gains Popularity
On Dec. 1, Ann Michael Maye, 22, launched a video from their kitchen on TikTok.
“Happy game day!” she exclaimed, donning a Christmas-themed apron. “I’m starting something in December called ‘Bakemas’ — baking a new treat each day this month until Christmas. Today marks Day 1.”
The inaugural recipe was Patriots-themed chocolate chip cookies decorated with red and blue M&Ms, concluding with her cheerful, “Go Pats! Happy Bakemas.”
It was an overnight success.
More than 2,000 comments rolled in, some humorously suggesting, “Drake has a crucial game tonight. Don’t let him have too many cookies; it might upset his stomach.” Others dubbed her the “queen of the north,” contributing to the popularity of “Bakemas.”
By January, NBC10 Boston transformed it into a 10-minute show titled “Beyond Bakemas with Ann Michael Maye.”
The first episode mirrored her debut TikTok, featuring the Patriots-themed cookies. Ann Michael was joined by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who inquired about her adjustment to newfound fame.
“I’m still adapting. It escalated so rapidly,” she shared. “I’m accustomed to Drake receiving all the attention, with folks asking him for photos; I’m usually the one snapping pictures. Now that people notice me, it’s quite surreal. It’s exhilarating. Everyone’s been incredibly kind, and it’s quite enjoyable to go through this experience.”
Long before this, she had already charmed the Patriots’ offensive linemen.
“The O-line is often my primary audience for baked treats,” she mentioned in the second episode, alongside former Patriots center David Andrews, while preparing apple cinnamon oat bars. “Occasionally, they send me thank-you notes: ‘Just keep the baked goods coming. We need to protect your husband, so we have to keep up our weight. If you require a bodyguard, we’re here for you.’
In December, Drake revealed that his favorite baked item is her peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
Grant, the quarterbacks coach, realized the expansive reach of “Bakemas” during the team’s road trip to face the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 21. His uncle, a teacher in Baltimore, had a student who was a big fan.
“So, he sent me a batch of baked goodies [from the student] to bring back for Ann Michael,” Grant recounted. “It’s reaching different parts of the country.”
Grant, who rates salted chocolate chip cookies as his top pick, humorously suggested that the quarterback room sometimes resembles a bakery.
“Drake brings them in and delivers them to the O-line room, and then [assistant coach] Doug Marrone returns with an empty container,” he chuckled.
Linemen like Moses playfully teased rookie left tackle Will Campbell about receiving preferential treatment.
A viral social media clip captured Campbell visiting the Mayes on the final day of “Bakemas,” as Ann Michael crafted cinnamon rolls. Drake proclaimed Ann Michael the “queen of Bakemas,” while Campbell offered a glowing “10 out of 10” rating.
“If any treat comes into the locker room, my favorite part is definitely tasting it,” said veteran tight end Austin Hooper, who re-signed with the team partly to play alongside Maye. “It’s fantastic. She knows what she’s doing.”
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even with Triumphs, He Remains ‘the Same Guy’
Following the Patriots’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round of the playoffs on Jan. 11, Maye reflected on the unwavering support from his family.
His parents, Mark and Aimee, attend the majority of games, and for just the third time this season, all three of his brothers (Luke, Beau, and Cole) were present.
“And don’t forget Ann Michael,” Maye said, beaming.
One of Maye’s initial statements as the Patriots’ No. 3 draft pick in 2024 was: “This is my team. If you’re getting me, you’re getting them.”
His teammates assert that this humble, family-oriented mindset has remained consistent.
“even with last year’s record, whether it was four wins or 16 wins in the regular season, he has consistently been the same person,” Hooper remarked. “Even as ‘Drake Maye’ exploded into the conversation, his process hasn’t changed. Drake hasn’t altered his essence since arriving.”
Tight end Hunter Henry, 31, one of Maye’s close friends, emphasizes this character as a key reason behind Maye’s respect in the locker room.
Moses, the veteran offensive tackle, recognizes the bonds Maye has formed with teammates and staff. He describes him as a “natural-born leader.”
“He’s grounded. I’ve met his parents, and it’s clear where his values come from,” Moses said. “Witnessing his success has been wonderful.”
During the regular season, Maye led the NFL in completion percentage (72%), passer rating (113.5), and yards per attempt (8.93), with 450 rushing yards ranking fourth among NFL quarterbacks. His 37-yard run in the wild-card playoff broke the franchise record for quarterbacks.
With Maye’s leadership propelling the Patriots to 16 victories, he is now tied with Russell Wilson (2013), Kurt Warner (1999), and Dan Marino (1984) for the most wins recorded by a first- or second-year quarterback in NFL history. Each of these players advanced to the Super Bowl, with Wilson and Warner clinching championships.
Though Maye is one win away from replicating that amazing feat, he hasn’t allowed success — or newfound fame — to detract from his commitment to the team ethos.
“He’s the same guy I met back in late January, early February. The values that mattered to him back then still hold significance for him today,” remarked Grant. “When I congratulated him for breaking the franchise record for completion percentage, he was indifferent. Instead, he said, ‘Save the congratulations for when we win the Super Bowl.’ He doesn’t seek personal accolades; the MVP chatter does not sway him.”
