Tom Brady Identifies Quality That Makes Patriots’ Drake Maye ‘Great Leader’

Drake Maye leads the New England Patriots into their first AFC Championship Game since Tom Brady’s exit. The seven-time Super Bowl champion explained why the young quarterback is well-suited for his old job.

Brady praised Maye’s humbleness and team-first attitude during a Friday interview on FS1’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” The NFL’s all-time passing leader believes other signal-callers can learn from the 23-year-old.

“Drake Maye has that humility,” Brady said. “Everything that comes out of his mouth is always about the team. It’s always about praising his defense, praising his offensive line, and that’s how you connect with people. That’s the reality. That’s what great leaders do.

“Great leaders are in service to other people. It’s not, what can you do for me. It’s what can I do for you. How can I be the best to support your dreams, your goals, your vision? … True leadership is about humility because true leadership is about service, and how do I show up every day to be the best I can be for my teammates. That really should be the lesson for all quarterbacks in the NFL.”

Fans may have understood if Maye grew a bit arrogant after a breakout second season that saw him complete 72 percent of his passes for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns. But even as an MVP candidate, the former No. 3 pick’s temperament hasn’t changed throughout a deep playoff run.

Despite his postseason turnover issues, Maye has guided the Patriots to wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans with 447 passing yards, 76 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Denver will become the next stout defense to try to humble Maye when the Broncos play the Patriots this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.