The New England Patriots signed Drake Maye as their 1st & 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Though the rookie didn’t get his chance from the get-go, he used those presented to him. As it’s often said, leadership is tested in adversity. And, Maye has proved himself to be an icon, on and off the field. His recent deed just proved he’s a born leader.

The deadliest hurricane in modern North Carolina history, Hurricane Helene, left damages worth $53.6 billion—the 10th costliest weather disaster in the US since 1980. In North Carolina alone, damages are said to be close to $20 billion. So, it was not long before the native hero came forward to rescue his people, donating $10,000 to Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services. Jeff Jellets, territorial disaster coordinator for southern territory, claimed, “We have witnessed entire communities destroyed and the lives of thousands upended. Having these additional resources for the current response is a blessing that allows us to serve and look toward ways to help the recovery process progress.” However, he isn’t the only one who donated to such efforts.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and Falcons QB Kirk Cousins had also come forward last month to donate $50,000 each to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, to assist in affected areas. While Mayfield’s contribution went to his home state Florida, Cousins’ donation aided the relief efforts in his native state, Georgia. And not just that…

Meanwhile, The Glazer Family Foundation received $1 million from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Atlanta Falcons donated $2 million to the World Central Kitchen to assist Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene with emergency meals, in partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundations. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and his wife Nicole made an initial $3 million commitment to the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation. The NFL Foundation and Houston Texans also donated $1 million each.

Having said that, the rookie’s efforts have increased the respect he has been earning from everyone in the league.

The humanitarian side of Drake Maye

If you’re wondering how much he has given to his community, let’s walk you through the time when he raised more than $600,000 to help his community, while he was still in college. It was his final year at the North Carolina Tar Heels when he joined forces with former teammate Sam Howell—who’s currently a Seattle Seahawks QB—for a TABLE fundraiser.

For the unversed: TABLE is a nonprofit organization that works on childhood hunger for kids based in Orange County, North Carolina. Happy after raising money, Drake Maye said, “There is such a need in our community, right in our own backyard. I was happy to join my teammates and provide assistance.”

He is interested in charity work in Charlotte, his home area. As his star rises in the NFL, his efforts to help his community would only increase. It sets the Patriots QB apart from other superstars in the league. A true gentleman, if you ask us!