New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye caused a stir among fans with comments he reportedly made following the Patriots' blowout loss to the New York Jets on Thursday night.
The rookie quarterback made his NFL debut in the Jets' 24-3 victory over the Patriots, replacing veteran Jacoby Brissett in the final five minutes of the game.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)
He completed 12 of 18 for 98 yards but was sacked twice, giving the Jets a total of seven sacks on the night.
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Thursday was a day of harsh reality check for the Patriots after Tom Brady's departure, while Aaron Rodgers shone in his return to MetLife Stadium, helping the Jets end an eight-game home losing streak against New England.
But Rodgers' performance seemed to mean a lot to many people, not just Jets fans.
Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets smiles after the team's win against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported after the game that Maye stood nearby while Rodgers was interviewed on the field. “Waiting for the GOAT,” Maye reportedly said as he awaited Rodgers' post-game handshake.
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The remarks, shared on social media, drew the ire of some Patriots die-hard fans, who were not too happy with the comments made about their division rival team.
“Tom Brady was at the game,” one person asked over X.
“Was Brady interviewing Rodgers?” another added.
“Patriots fans will be furious about this,” another post read.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots warms up before a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
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Garafolo eventually weighed in on the social media debate and defended May's comments.
“I know this is being taken a certain way, I'm normally a captain on a team where there can only be one GOAT, but Maye was simply recognizing Rodgers as a great QB,” Garafolo wrote. “I wanted a moment of gratitude and I got it – a tribute to the game and those who came before me.”
Maye's debut Thursday was no indication that he will be the Patriots' starting quarterback going forward, with coach Jerrod Mayo making it clear Friday that Brissett remains the leadoff man.
“Just to be clear, Jacoby is still our starting quarterback until I say otherwise,” Mayo said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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