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Legend Joe Montana Sends a "Powerful Message" to MVP Drake Maye After His Journey Leading the Patriots to Super Bowl LX – And Drake's Response Has Made Patriots Nation More Proud Than Ever

Foxborough, Massachusetts – January 27, 2026 – As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, an unexpected and powerful compliment came from the legendary Joe Montana. The former QB of the San Francisco 49ers, who won 4 Super Bowl titles and 3 Super Bowl MVPs, made impressive remarks about Drake Maye.

Montana shared on the Pat McAfee Show: "I just think he's playing to his potential, and that's all he needs to do." These words were not just praise, but also an acknowledgment from one of the greatest legends in NFL history. Montana has proven that Maye is truly on the path to becoming a champion.

Joe Montana speaks out on 49ers' move, Steve Young – The Mercury News

This season, Drake Maye has proven himself to be an outstanding QB with 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, a 72% completion rate, and a QB rating of 113.5. He has made a strong mark, becoming the second-youngest QB in history to make it to the Super Bowl, after Dan Marino. This excellent performance has led the Patriots to the biggest game of the season.

The Patriots won the AFC East championship with a 14-3 record, solidifying the team’s position in the AFC. With this victory, Maye and his teammates are heading to Super Bowl LX to face off against the Seattle Seahawks, their Super Bowl XLIX opponent, whom they defeated 28-24 in 2015.

This Super Bowl presents an opportunity for the Patriots to continue their pursuit of their seventh title in franchise history. In 2019, the Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. With the current form, Maye is the team's biggest hope in their quest for a seventh championship.

Drake Maye: "It Starts With Me Under Center." | Patriots Press Conference

Before the important game, Drake Maye responded with words that have made Patriots Nation proud. He shared: "I truly can't believe I’m receiving such praise from one of the greatest legends in NFL history. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career. And I’ll take those words as motivation to fight with everything I have, to bring this team the Super Bowl LX ring and bring pride to Patriots Nation." Maye’s emotions reflect his respect for what Montana has accomplished in his career.

Maye’s response quickly earned admiration and pride from the Patriots community. Not only is he a star on the field, but Maye has also demonstrated humility and grace in receiving praise from one of the NFL's greatest. With this pride, Patriots Nation is even more hopeful for another victory for the team.

Respect: Buccaneers’ 3,000-yard TE breaks his silence amid contract rumors: “I don’t need a big contract — I just want to keep fighting with Tampa Bay.”
Tampa Bay enters the offseason with plenty of questions surrounding its offensive personnel, and no name is mentioned more often inside the locker room than Cade Otton. As speculation about his contract future continues to grow, the young tight end chose to speak up — not to apply pressure, but to reaffirm his core value to the Buccaneers. Since the 2022 season, Otton has been one of the rare stable starters at the tight end position for Tampa Bay. He has been on the field consistently, filling a true “do-it-all” role: reliable hands, effective blocking, and the versatility to line up both in-line and in the slot. His presence allows the offense to operate smoothly without tipping its intentions. Over the past two seasons (2024–2025), Otton has maintained steady production with roughly 50–60 receptions per year and 500–600 yards, delivering quiet but dependable contributions. He is not the type of tight end who dominates headlines, but he is the piece the coaching staff trusts in every situation — especially when balance and reliability are required. What separates Otton is trust. When he is on the field, defenses cannot predict whether Tampa Bay will run or pass. That is why coaches value him so highly within the offensive structure: he does not “telegraph” the play by alignment or assignment, and he is willing to handle the difficult work so others can shine. Amid ongoing rumors about salary and the open market, Otton broke his silence with a clear, team-first message that quickly caught the attention of the Buccaneers community: “I don’t need a big contract to feel valued. What matters most to me is staying here, continuing to fight with Tampa Bay, and doing my job for the team. If I can help us win by doing the little things every week, that’s enough for me.” That message resonated immediately. In an era where many players prioritize maximizing individual value, Otton’s approach reflects the culture Tampa Bay is searching for: durability, discipline, and long-term commitment. With nearly 3,000 total yards from college through the NFL, Otton has proven he is far from a short-term contributor. His contract future remains unresolved, but his stance is clear. Otton is not chasing numbers — he is chasing identity. For the Buccaneers, the upcoming decision is not just about retaining a tight end; it is about preserving a stabilizing piece within the system. And for Otton, continuing to wear a Tampa Bay uniform would be the greatest reward of all.