At a Glance
- Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a 16-3 home victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on January 11, 2026, eliminating L.A. from the postseason
- The 23-year-old quarterback thanked his parents, three brothers, and wife Ann Michael in the post-game interview, calling the moment “special”
- The Patriots now host the divisional-round winner of the Steelers-Texans matchup on Monday night
- Why it matters: Maye’s rookie-year playoff run and public appreciation for his family highlight the human side of the NFL’s win-or-go-home stage
Drake Maye’s playoff debut was both a team triumph and a family celebration. After guiding the New England Patriots to a 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on January 11, 2026, the rookie quarterback smiled through a post-game news conference while praising the relatives who packed the stands.
Game-Day Emotions and Family Pride
Maye told reporters his parents attend every game, but Sunday felt different because all three of his brothers made the trip.
- “My three brothers were here, which is pretty cool, all three of ’em being here.”
- “Having them in the house is cool … three of my best friends.”
- He joked they will “probably be playing ping-pong until 1:30 [a.m.]” to keep the celebration going.
The quarterback then turned to his wife of six months, Ann Michael.
- “And obviously Ann Michael, can’t forget about her,” he said, grinning.
Maye described sprinting out of the tunnel to a roaring crowd as “a cool moment,” adding, “Proud of the fans for how they showed up every week.”
Next Up for New England
The victory advances the Patriots to the divisional round, where they will face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Houston Texans, depending on the outcome of Monday night’s wild-card finale.
Key details:
- The Chargers exit the tournament after the one-sided loss
- New England secures a home playoff date for the next round
- Maye’s rookie-season record improves to 1-0 in the postseason
From College Sweethearts to Married Couple
Maye and Ann Michael Hudson began dating in high school and both attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Timeline:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Drafted by Patriots | April 2024 |
| Proposed to Ann Michael | After rookie season, 2024 |
| Wedding | June 21, 2025 |
The couple exchanged vows at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in North Carolina, according to The News & Observer.
Days after the ceremony, Maye posted wedding photos on Instagram, captioning them, “What a night! Cheers to forever. I love you!”
Playoff Push and Public Affection
Maye’s shout-out to his wife echoes a growing trend of NFL players openly crediting family support during high-pressure games.
Facts:
- Sunday’s win marks Maye’s first playoff victory as a professional
- The Patriots’ defense held the Chargers to a single field goal
- New England’s postseason hopes now rest on Maye’s continued composure
When asked how he planned to celebrate, Maye kept the answer simple: time with the people who matter most, plus “ping-pong until 1:30 [a.m.]” with his siblings.
Key Takeaways
- Drake Maye delivered a 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, sending his team into the next playoff round
- The quarterback’s post-game praise for his parents, brothers, and wife Ann Michael showcased a grounded attitude amid rising stardom
- The Patriots await either the Steelers or Texans for a divisional-round matchup that could push Maye’s rookie campaign even deeper into January
