Lip readers caught the epic message New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye had for New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers following their “Thursday Night Football” clash.
Aaron Rodgers had the best performance of his young Jets tenure, completing 27 of 35 pass attempts for 281 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in a tidy 24-3 New York victory. The game also marked the NFL debut of Drake Maye, who finished out the game in favor of a struggling Jacoby Brissett.
The No. 3 pick of this year’s draft completed four of eight pass attempts for 22 yards and took two sacks in the blowout defeat. After the game, Maye wanted to make sure he could exchange words with the four-time NFL MVP.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo showed a video of Drake Maye meeting with Rodgers after the game. Before they shook hands, Maye was heard saying, “I’m waiting for the GOAT.”
Drake Maye stood nearby while Aaron Rodgers did his interview with Amazon.
“I’m waiting for the GOAT.” pic.twitter.com/prlVM61VKI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 20, 2024
Drake Maye waited on the field to dap up Aaron Rodgers.
The #Patriots rookie told media:
“I’m waiting for the GOAT.”pic.twitter.com/JfiEtwsvsu
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) September 20, 2024
Drake Maye was spotted standing nearby as Aaron Rodgers wrapped up his interview with Amazon. When asked about it, he simply said, “I’m waiting for the GOAT.” #NewYorkJets #NFL pic.twitter.com/DQRJbgdgSZ
— India Sports Central (@IndSportCentral) September 20, 2024
Let’s just say that much of Drake Maye’s fanbase in Foxborough is going to be upset with him, and it’s not because of his performance on the field. In the eyes of most NFL fans, and almost every Pats supporter, Tom Brady is the GOAT of football.
Drake Maye’s 14% career designed rush rate and 11% scramble rate ranked second behind Jayden Daniels.
He is going to run once he takes the starting job.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) August 16, 2024
Don’t be surprised if Maye is later asked about these comments, and if he elaborates on why he views Rodgers as the GOAT. The two teams will see each other again in five weeks when the Jets visit New England at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 27.
Drake Maye Might Replace Jacoby Brissett Soon
Some were surprised when Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo named Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback over Maye, who flashed his sky-high potential during offseason activities.
Brissett was always going to be a short-term starter in New England, but another lackluster outing on Thursday may prompt Mayo to turn to Maye sooner rather than later. Brissett is limited as a passer, and it does the Pats no good if they keep Maye on the sidelines if the offense continues to struggle.
