Patriots rookie Drake Maye experienced a whirlwind of emotions this past weekend.
Maye saw one of his lifelong dreams realized when he made his first NFL start Sunday in New England’s Week 6 matchup with Houston. But one day before impressing with three touchdown passes at Gillette Stadium, Maye and the North Carolina community were dealt a heartbreaking loss.
Tylee Craft, a former Tar Heels wide receiver, died Saturday following a battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Craft was 23 years old.
Maye honored his fellow UNC alum on the eve of his first NFL start, sharing a photo of Craft to his Instagram story with a caption that read, “Love you man. RIP.”
The No. 3 overall pick managed to compartmentalize his wide range of emotions Sunday and put forth a very solid first impression. Maye appeared to provide the Patriots offense with a spark the unit had been looking for and in turn inspired optimism for the group going forward.
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Maye is set to make his next start Sunday when the Patriots visit the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars for a Week 7 matchup at London’s Wembley Stadium. Kickoff for the international contest is set for 9:30 a.m. ET.
Featured image via Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images
