Drake Maye’s 2025 season earned him national recognition, but it was not enough to earn him an ESPY Award.
The New England Patriots quarterback entered Wednesday night’s ESPYS as one of the finalists for Best Breakthrough Athlete, alongside Olympic skating champion Alysa Liu, San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. At the end the award was won by Liu.
The result quickly sparked debate among NFL fans, with many weighing Maye’s impressive season against Liu’s historic Olympic achievements.
One fan felt the Patriots quarterback had been overlooked.
“Dudes getting snubbed left and right.”
Others believed the award went to the right person.
“He didn’t win the MVP or Super Bowl (even tho I still think he deserved the MVP) I understand why they chose her instead,” another wrote.
“Gotta win the big game otherwise his breakout season ended in a humiliating loss that affirmed what the narrative was,” one wrote.
Another fan wrote, “He was very mid in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. I wouldn’t have given it to him also lol.”
“As much as I’d like to say robbed she won a gold medal, very well deserved.”
“He was also nominated for best NFL player, which was hilarious.”
Another commenter referenced New England’s Super Bowl defeat.
“He was throwing straight meatball subs in the SB are you really surprised.”
Drake Maye’s Stellar 2025 Season Ends Without an ESPY
Although Maye left the ESPYS empty-handed, Maye’s achievements cannot be overlooked.
The 23-year-old completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions during the 2025 season.
New England’s playoff run finally ended with a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, but Maye’s performance throughout the season was good.
He was also nominated for Best NFL Player, but the award was claimed by Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett.
Meanwhile Liu got gold in the women’s singles event and helped the United States secure another gold medal in the team competition, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
While the ESPYS voting didn’t go Maye’s way, the quarterback enters the 2026 season with high expectations.
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