Drake Maye confirms that shoulder is 'just fine' ahead of maiden Super Bowl appearance

Drake Maye speaks with the media ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl.
Drake Maye speaks with the media ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye took part in media day ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl, where he was asked about his throwing shoulder.

Speaking to the media, Maye also confirmed that his throwing arm is also fine.

"I threw a good bit (today)," Maye said when asked about his arm. "I threw as much as I would in a practice, and it felt great."

While the second-year quarterback missed out on practice on Friday, head coach Mike Vrabel said he was out due to illness.

"We'll work through these things through the week, just like everybody else does," said Vrabel. "But we're confident that the preparation that's required for each position on our football team will be there by the end of the week, and everybody ⁠will be available."

Sunday night will be a special occasion for Maye, as he was at Levi's Stadium the last time they hosted a Super Bowl 10 years ago. Watching with his dad, the 23-year-old's favourite team, the Carolina Panthers, fell to the Denver BRoncos.

"It's a full-circle moment, that's the biggest thing," he continued. "So thankful my dad was able to take me to a Super Bowl, I don't take it for granted. I was watching my favorite team at the time and got a chance to watch Peyton Manning's last game (for ‌the Broncos)."

No quarterback had a better completion percentage than Maye's 72% during the season. He also threw 31 passings touchdowns - good for third - and had the fourth most passing yards with 4,394.

New England also finished with the joint-best record alongside Super Bowl opponents Seattle Seahawks and the Broncos at 14-3.

"There's so many things that he does at an accelerated rate based on his age," said the Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. "He's 23 years old, but he's wise beyond his years. He knows how to prepare well, he's smart, he's a great leader and he's very authentic with his teammates.

"And certainly all the physical attributes that we've seen all year long: He loves the game, he wants to be good at every aspect of it and that's a great trait to have as a young player. Playing quarterback in the NFL, there's really no shortcuts in being good at that position."

Maye said that while he understands the significance of Sunday's game, he is tuning out distractions and outside onise.

"Anything else outside is nothing I need to worry about," said the former UNC Tar Heel. "That's the biggest thing for me. Just go out there and give our guys ​a chance to make plays, get them the football. I've done that and they've made me ⁠look good."

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