Drake Maye knows what it’s like to be in Will Campbell’s shoes.
While the Patriots quarterback has never had to block a pass rusher, Maye, like Campbell, came to New England from the South as a top-five draft pick. Those similarities helped the two quickly form a close bond in their first season as teammates.
“The biggest thing all year long is we were kind of in the same boat,” Maye said. “He was a first-round draft pick, left college early, grew up in the South. We’ve got the same Southern accent.
He sounds a little more country than I do, but he’s up here living, first time living in the North, probably hadn’t seen snow as much, maybe at all, his entire life. Now, he’s driving in it and little things.
“So, just trying to find time and find a place for me to welcome him to our team and to the Patriots.”
When New England selected Campbell fourth overall in this year’s draft, they did so with the hope of the 22-year old protecting Maye’s blindside for years to come. Campbell made a quick impression on his quarterback on the draft stage when he said he was ready to “fight and die” to protect Maye.
Campbell went on to start 16 games at left tackle his rookie season, missing five do to a MCL injury. His arrival — along with four other new offensive lineman — helped New England protect Maye as their pass blocking metrics took a major jump from last season. It’s part of the reason Campbell’s 17th start of the year will come on Sunday in Super Bowl LX.
Amid the on-field success, Maye and Campbell’s relationship continued to grow off of it. The two attended Celtics games together — once leading to the young lineman chugging a beer on the Jumbotron with the rest of the offensive line in attendance — explored new dinner spots in Boston, and Campbell even spent time around Christmas at Maye’s house.
Campbell even wore the now-viral “I [heart] Drake Maye” shirt arriving to a game earlier this season.
“We have a great relationship,” Campbell said. “Him and his wife have been very welcoming to me. Obviously he was in the same position as me last year staying by himself. So, he was inviting me over and things like that. They’ve just been great, his whole family. So, I’m very appreciative for them.”
As Maye suited up for team travel day to the Super Bowl last Sunday, he did so wearing a “Big Country” No. 66 hat. That, of course, is his nickname for the rookie as Campbell refers to his quarterback at times as “Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye.”
While Maye is grateful for Campbell’s friendship and play on the field, the two make sure to poke fun at each other whenever possible.
“I know how huge he has been for us and how big he’ll be for us down the road,” Maye said. “So, other than that, he’s always pretty grumpy, but he’s fun. He’s fun to be around. He’s got little sarcasm comments, and he doesn’t take any crap. That’s the biggest thing I like about Will on the field and even off the field. I try to tell him he’s my rook, but he doesn’t go for it. But I’m going to remind him that his whole career.”
