Drake Maye might be rocking Patriots colors now, but deep down, he’s still got that Panthers blue in his DNA. The rookie QB hopped on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, and while he dished on life in Foxboro and his first NFL season, one thing was clear—his love for the Carolina Panthers hasn’t faded. Oh, and he had a pretty wild full-circle moment with Peyton Manning too.

“I loved Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, all those guys,” Maye said, reminiscing about the Panthers’ legendary 2015 Super Bowl run. “We went to the Super Bowl [in San Francisco], that was the first Super Bowl I ever went to, and the Panthers lost. I told Peyton [Manning because] that was his last game.” Imagine being a kid watching your team lose to a Hall of Famer—only to grow up and actually tell him about it.

Turns out, that Maye’s connection to Manning goes beyond just being on the losing end of that Super Bowl. He’s actually gotten to learn from the GOAT himself, picking up advice during Pro Bowl interactions. And with the weight of the Patriots’ future on his shoulders, that kind of mentorship could be clutch.

Even though he’s all-in on New England now, Maye’s Carolina roots run deep. His dad, Mark Maye, was a QB at UNC, and football has always been in his blood. Now, as he carves out his own NFL path, he’s bringing a little bit of that Panthers pride—and maybe some Manning magic—along for the ride.

ESPN broadcaster’s hot take: Patriots have their guy

Drake Maye’s rookie season wasn’t supposed to start so soon, but when the Patriots’ offense sputtered under Jacoby Brissett, they had no choice but to hand him the reins. Many doubted the move, thinking it was too early to throw him into the fire. But Maye? He thrived under the pressure. Not only did he prove he belonged, but he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.

That’s not just fan hype—NFL legend Peyton Manning sees it too. Speaking about Maye’s talent and leadership, Manning didn’t hold back. “He’s a natural leader, and then when you watch him throw, his arm just jumps out at you,” Manning said. “You see, Drake is very accountable. When things go well, he gives credit to his teammates. When things don’t, he starts with himself.” That kind of self-awareness and poise is exactly what New England has been looking for in a franchise QB.

For a team still trying to fill the void left by Tom Brady, Maye’s emergence is massive. His ability to command an offense, make big-time throws, and take responsibility for both wins and losses has given Patriots fans something they haven’t had in years—hope. Manning himself believes those qualities will serve Maye well as he continues to develop.

Of course, the Patriots still have work to do. If they want Maye to take that crucial Year 2 leap, they’ll need to strengthen the roster around him. A solid offseason with key additions could position him for a breakout sophomore campaign. And if Maye keeps proving the doubters wrong, New England might just have their next superstar under center.