Patriots QB Drake Maye stands behind coach Mike Vrabel

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye referred to as Mike Vrabel “an excellent human being,” and mentioned he doesn’t suppose the top coach’s off-field issues shall be a distraction for the defending AFC champions this upcoming season.

“No, I don’t,” Maye mentioned. “I imply, he’s our head coach. I believe he’s performed an excellent job of speaking to us and speaking us by it. I’m simply trying ahead to getting again to work and preparing.”

Maye spoke to The Related Press on Wednesday following the Truist Championship Professional-Am in Charlotte during which he was paired with PGA Tour professional Gary Woodland on the again 9 at Quail Hole.

Vrabel has discovered himself entangled in controversy after the New York Put up posted photos of him with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. Vrabel mentioned on April 24 that he was taking accountability for his actions with out addressing specifics in regards to the printed images.

Vrabel missed the third day of the draft to attend counseling.

Vrabel mentioned he needed to have exhausting conversations with the people who he cared about essentially the most, together with his household, his workforce and members of the Patriots group. He added that, “My earlier actions don’t meet the usual that I maintain myself to. They don’t.”

When requested if the problems are one thing the Patriots might want to put behind them earlier than the season, Maye mentioned, “I believe that’ll handle itself.”

“I do know he’s bought the correct mindset and I do know he’s an excellent human being,” Maye added. “I believe he’s … like I mentioned, I like taking part in for him.”

Maye, the third total decide in 2024 who grew up in close by Huntersville, North Carolina, led the Patriots to an look in Tremendous Bowl 60 in simply his second season. He was runner-up to Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award in 2025.

Maye additionally addressed former Patriots teammate Stefon Diggs’ acquittal on prices that he assaulted his live-in private chef.

The fees stemmed from a Dec. 2 incident at his Massachusetts house the place Jamila Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her throughout an argument.

Diggs had pled not responsible to a felony strangulation cost and a misdemeanor assault and battery cost. The jury deliberated for lower than two hours earlier than clearing Diggs of all prices. The acquittal in courtroom clears a path for the four-time Professional Bowl huge receiver to return to the sector, though he may nonetheless face self-discipline from the NFL.

“Nicely, you already know, he’s at all times been an excellent teammate to me and I do know he’ll do nice issues,” Maye mentioned. “I used to be lucky sufficient to have a 12 months with him, and I’m trying ahead to seeing what occurs to him. He’s an excellent participant.”

And as for the shoulder damage that hampered him down the stretch final season, Maye mentioned he’s doing “nice.”

“Nothing, nothing, no issues in any respect,” mentioned Maye, including that he didn’t want surgical procedure.

The Patriots will host a three-day rookie minicamp starting Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.