Former Seahawks Star Praises Patriots’ Drake Maye Before Super Bowl

A former Seattle Seahawks star is a big fan of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Shaun Alexander has a close relationship with Maye. The All-Pro running back likened Maye to a “nephew” during Tuesday’s appearance on “Up & Adams,” telling FanDuel TV host Kay Adams that he regularly keeps in touch with the second-year pro.

Maye leads New England into a Super Bowl LX showdown against Seattle, where Alexander spent eight seasons of his nine-year career. The 2005 MVP defended Maye when asked about public criticism amid an uneven playoff run.

“There is often times where somebody’s skill set makes it looks like it’s easier than what it is,” Alexander said. “This is still the NFL. The best athletes play defense, and he’s got his team in the Super Bowl. We don’t have to take for granted (that) he’s thrown many big balls, big deep throws to go make plays happen.

“He is that dude, and it’s his second year … We just can’t make it look like all of a sudden, he flippantly got them to the Super Bowl. It doesn’t happen like that.”

Alexander acknowledged that Maye isn’t Tom Brady or Peyton Manning just yet, but he’s “very proud” of the 23-year-old’s progress.

Drake Maye Looking To Join Tom Brady On This Legendary List

by Evan Cormier 2 Min Read

Patriots’ Drake Maye Responds To Speculation About Shoulder Injury

by Daniel Fisher 2 Min Read

Cam Newton Downplays Drake Maye’s Role In Patriots’ Super Bowl Run

by Andrew Gould 2 Min Read

“I think that he deserves to be here,” Alexander said. “And he deserves all this MVP mention because he’s had a great year.”

While Alexander hopes Maye plays well at Santa Clara, he’s rooting for the Seahawks to prevail. However, the matchup reminds him of a Super Bowl XL loss he experienced 20 years ago to another burgoening young quarterback.

“I do have this little nervousness about the Seahawks because Drake’s in the same situation Ben Roethlisberger was when they played against us,” Alexander said. “And so, I’m going to say to the Seahawks several times, don’t take the offense for granted.”