“Do your job.” It’s a mantra that echoed through Gillette Stadium during the Tom Brady era. Now, as the Patriots turn the page, those words ring true for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. But what’s the real scoop on this fresh-faced signal-caller? Kamari Morales, Maye’s former teammate at UNC, recently spilled the beans, giving Pats fans a glimpse behind the curtain.

During his media debut at Boston College on August 11, 2024, Morales painted a picture of Maye that might have Patriots fans seeing shades of their former GOAT. “Great dude, shows up every day, he’s going to work hard,” Morales said, his words echoing the work ethic that defined the Brady era. But, he did not stop there. The transition from college star to NFL starter is tougher than getting past the Patriot defense in their prime. Morales knows this, cautioning fans to temper their expectations.

“My message to New England fans is don’t put that expectation and that pressure on Drake,” Morales advised. “Just let him go out there and be Drake Maye, and I promise you you’ll be happy.” It’s a stark reminder that while the ghost of Brady looms large, Maye needs room to grow into his cleats.

But it’s not all quiet confidence. Morales hinted at Maye’s leadership potential, saying, “He’s going to ride for his player.” It’s a quality that resonates in New England, where Brady’s ability to elevate his teammates became legendary.

In a surprising twist, Brady met with Maye and other top rookie quarterbacks at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in May 2024. The encounter, which Brady playfully described as “Just two guys having brunch.. calm down everyone,” had set Patriots Nation abuzz with speculation. But what does the GOAT himself think about his potential successor?

Tom Brady recently shared his thoughts. “His opportunity is going to be really what he makes of it,” Brady told Yahoo Sports, a stark reminder that even with a pedigree as impressive as Maye’s, success in the NFL is far from guaranteed. The seven-time Super Bowl champion didn’t stop there. He emphasized the importance of Maye’s environment, saying, “It’s not where you’re at when you’re 22, it’s who you’re around when you’re 22. Who inspires you to be better? Who develops you?” It’s a nugget of wisdom that could prove crucial for Maye’s development in Foxboro.

Maye, for his part, seems to understand the gravity of stepping into Brady’s shoes. “Tom Brady’s the GOAT. It’s easy to say that. He’s the best to ever play this game,” Maye stated to reporters back in April. “I’m not going to be Tom Brady. I’m just going to try to be Drake Maye.” It’s a mature point of view that might just help him navigate the pressure cooker that is New England football.

For Maye and the Patriots, the stakes could not be higher. Since Brady’s exit in 2020, the team has not won a single playoff game. Their first attempt to get a franchise QB replacement backfired when Mac Jones failed to deliver. Now with Maye as their third overall choice, New England is somewhat hoping for deja vu. However, the recent backup reps showcase that Jerod Mayo might have a different plan.

Is Jerod Mayo’s QB chess about developing Drake Maye or playing it safe?

Brady’s words carry weight but it is Mayo who holds the keys to Maye’s immediate future. Across the league, eyebrows were raised by Mayo’s decision to limit Maye to just one series and seven total snaps in the preseason opener against the Panthers.

Mayo defended the move, stating as per Boston.com, “We wanted to see Jacoby [Brissett], obviously, go out there and operate, as well as Drake — mixing them in there with the [first unit].” It’s a strategy that seems to prioritize caution. This plan contrasts sharply with Brady’s adventure on many levels. After all, it was an injury to Drew Bledsoe that catapulted Brady into being a regular starter. However, Mayo appears bent on setting a different course for Maye.

“If he’s in there, you want him in there with the starting offensive line. We gotta protect that guy,” Mayo explained. It’s a sentiment that Brady might appreciate, given his emphasis on the importance of a young quarterback’s environment.

However, not everyone seemed on board with this approach. Pats legend Rob Gronkowski found it odd that Maye, being such a high draft pick, was only given six plays. He said, ““….you got to see what he [Maye] has, you got to be able to show he’s good, so he’s ready to go when his time is called in the season. But Mayo had a plan and if that was a plan then that’s totally understandable he didn’t want him out there.”

Now, as the season is gearing up for a tough competition, the Patriots will meet one of the strongest units, the Eagles led by Jalen Hurts. As Mayo pointed out, “This is a huge week for us against Philly. When he’s ready to go, we’ll put him in,” noting Drake Maye’s influence on the field against tough rivals. While Maye will have to work extra hard given that he is part of a draft class full of talent that comprises J.J. McCarthy, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels among others, time will unfold the true potential of each individual.

Just like Kamari Morales highlighted about Maye’s humble character and skills. “I never saw him out one time when I was at UNC… very quiet, very humble,” Morales shared. “He’s going to work hard as far as his play. I’m going to let his play speak for itself.