Former Patriots WR Admits Regret After Leaving New England: “Wish I Could’ve Played With That Kid One Season”

Foxborough – November 19, 2025 NFL legend Joe Montana shocked the entire league when he unexpectedly delivered glowing, powerful praise for young Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during a live podcast. Montana, who is famously strict and extremely rare in handing out compliments, this time showed clear admiration for the way the Patriots’ quarterback is playing. “He’s one of the five best players I’ve ever seen. The calmness, the command of the game, and the way he can change everything in just a few seconds. Drake Maye is truly special.” From the very first snaps of the season, Drake Maye has blown a completely new wind into Foxborough. The powerful arm, the creativity outside of structure, and the boldness in every situation have turned the Patriots’ offense from monotonous to dangerously unpredictable. Games with three touchdowns, deep throws that split double coverage, and scrambles that create explosive plays — all of it has built the image of a star exploding in his very rookie year. It’s not just pretty to watch. Maye’s statistics are currently surpassing even big names, including Josh Allen, in key categories such as passing yards, touchdowns, and performance under pressure. Maye leads the AFC East in those areas. While the Bills still rely heavily on Josh Allen’s individual brilliance, Maye has made the Patriots a balanced, efficient, and fearsome unit. His week-to-week consistency has already put him in the conversation as a heavyweight favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year — and even an outside-shot MVP candidate. Joe Montana went further, comparing Maye’s current form to legends and modern superstars like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Herbert — a rare comparison, but completely deserved. “He handles the game like someone who’s been playing for ten years, throws the ball with touch that can’t be taught, and competes with the calmness of a general. When you watch him play, you feel like you’re witnessing the beginning of something huge,” Montana said. For the Patriots, Maye’s rise is more than just football. It marks the return of belief and the winning identity that once turned New England into an empire. Maye’s spirit, humility, and competitiveness have changed the locker-room atmosphere, reignited confidence in teammates and fans alike. Montana closed with a statement that sent Patriots Nation into a frenzy: “He’s not just playing well — he’s changing the standard.” If Drake Maye continues on this trajectory, New England may very well have a superstar capable of ushering in a brand-new era of glory.