“He’s already better than I ever was” — Tom Brady’s stunning admission about Drake Maye on live TV leaves Patriots fans speechless
Foxborough, Massachusetts – January 16, 2026
On a live segment of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Tom Brady delivered a moment no one in New England expected. Speaking candidly about the future of the New England Patriots, Brady openly acknowledged that Drake Maye has already surpassed what he himself was early in his career. “That kid is exactly what New England has been waiting for,” Brady said, a line that instantly rippled through Patriots Nation and the wider NFL.
Brady’s words carried weight not just because of who he is, but because of what the numbers say. Comparing their second NFL seasons paints a stark picture. In 2001, Brady threw for 2,843 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, posting an 86.5 passer rating while starting 14 games. It was a gritty, team-driven season that ended in a Super Bowl XXXVI title. The legacy began there, but statistically, it was modest by modern standards.
Maye’s 2025 season, by contrast, was explosive. He finished with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, completing 72 percent of his throws — a Patriots franchise record and sixth-best in NFL history. His 113.5 passer rating ranked second all-time in New England, behind only Brady’s iconic 2007 campaign. Add roughly 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, and Maye’s total production dwarfed anything Brady posted in year two.
Context matters, and Brady acknowledged that as well. “The game’s different now — more pass-friendly, more space,” he said. “But efficiency is efficiency. What Drake’s doing isn’t just volume. It’s elite football.” Maye didn’t just rack up stats; he engineered a complete turnaround, leading the Patriots from 4–13 to 14–3, capturing the AFC East, and making a deep playoff run while entering the MVP conversation.
That, ultimately, is why Brady’s admission resonated so deeply. His 2001 season defined clutch moments, belief, and the birth of a dynasty. Maye’s 2025 season defined dominance, precision, and modern quarterback excellence. Purely on individual performance, Maye has been superior across the board. And when the greatest Patriot of all time says it out loud, it doesn’t just validate a player — it signals a new era has truly arrived in New England.
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