Drake Maye, the 23-year-old quarterback for the New England Patriots, exemplifies a grounded approach to finances. Despite signing a lucrative contract worth $36.6 million as the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, Maye continues to drive a 2015 GMC pickup truck. This vehicle has been with him since his high school days in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Maye’s Commitment to Humility
In an interview with The Washington Post, Maye shared the influence of his mother’s advice on maintaining humility. “My mom’s always been on me about just staying humble and not buying the sports car,” he stated in November 2025. Even after a breakdown on Interstate 95 in January 2025, he refused to give up the trusty pickup.
As he prepares for the 60th Super Bowl, the stakes are high for Maye. He is set to become the second-youngest quarterback to start in the championship game, replacing Patriots legend Tom Brady. Should he win, he would be the youngest quarterback to claim the Lombardi Trophy.
Impressive Career Stats
Maye’s athletic background includes impressive achievements both in high school and college. As a sophomore at Myers Park High School, he threw for over 3,200 yards, followed by 3,512 yards and 50 touchdowns as a junior, boasting a 72% completion rate. He continued his success at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was awarded the 2022 ACC Player of the Year.
Financial Awareness Among Athletes
Despite his rising star status and an estimated net worth of $12 million as of February 2025, Maye’s choice of vehicle reflects a growing trend among athletes to prioritize prudent financial management. Recent reports indicate that a significant percentage of NFL players face financial hardships shortly after retirement. In fact, 78% may experience bankruptcy or financial stress within two years post-career.
Voices for Financial Literacy
Maye’s frugal habits resonate with other players who advocate for financial literacy. Odell Beckham Jr., a fellow NFL player, highlighted the challenges of managing wealth after taxes and expenses, emphasizing the need for proper financial education. “We weren’t taught about no financial literacy,” Beckham noted in an October 2025 podcast episode.
- Drake Maye’s Contract: $36.6 million
- Super Bowl: 60th edition
- Estimated Net Worth: $12 million
- Percentage of NFL Players Facing Financial Stress: 78%
Frugal living is a common theme among current and former NFL players. Glover Quin, a retired safety, drove the same GMC Yukon he purchased years earlier, living conservatively and investing wisely. Similarly, Ryan Kerrigan once chose to share living expenses to save money, showcasing different methods of fiscal responsibility.
As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Drake Maye—not just for his performance on the field, but also as a model of humility and financial consciousness in professional sports.
