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The 23-year-old quarterback delivered one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history. He threw for 4,203 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding another 421 rushing yards on the ground.
Those numbers helped the Patriots clinch the AFC East for the first time since Brady’s departure. The division title became official after the Buffalo Bills fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, officially ending years of frustration in Foxborough.
But while Maye’s play on the field brought wins back to New England, something off the field captured fans’ hearts in a way few expected.
Patriots fans crown a new First Lady
Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, became a breakout star during the 2025 season thanks to a wholesome social media tradition.
Throughout December, she posted daily baking videos as part of a TikTok series called Bakemas.
The videos were simple, cheerful, and unapologetically festive. Ann Michael baked a new treat every day leading up to Christmas, often featuring Patriots colors and holiday themes.
Her very first Bakemas video, posted on December 1, exploded online and racked up more than 1.6 million views. By the end of the month, she gained over 280,000 TikTok followers.
Drake Maye embraced his wife’s newfound fame during a radio appearance on WEEI Afternoons.
“It’s been awesome,” Maye said during an appearance on Boston sports radio show WEEI Afternoons. “I get to do the good part of trying all her stuff she bakes. I try to bring some leftovers into the building.”
The baking lineup included chocolate chip cookies decorated in Patriots colors, sourdough cinnamon rolls, peppermint chocolate chip cookies, and other crowd favorites.
According to Drake, one recipe stood above the rest.
Drake said the peppermint chocolate chip cookies were his favorite treat from the series.
He also praised his high school sweetheart for adjusting to life in New England and winning over fans across the region.
“I think people up north kinda struggle with the double name. Her name’s a double name, Ann Michael, so hopefully people figure that out. But she’s a superstar. She’s been a big addition for me being up here and living with me,” Maye told the radio show.
Patriots fans turn comment sections into a roasting pit
Ann Michael’s videos attracted attention for more than just baking tips.
Patriots fans quickly noticed something unusual about the comment sections.
They were overwhelmingly positive, supportive, and filled with brutal jokes aimed at Tom Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen.
Bundchen was married to Brady from 2006 to 2022, spanning nearly the entire Patriots dynasty. Their divorce made headlines after reports surfaced that she cheated on Brady with her jiu jitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente.
She later married Valente in December and welcomed their first child together in February.
Fans wasted no time drawing comparisons between the former and current First Ladies of New England.
“Gisele never baked with us to get in the holiday spirit,” one comment read.
“Gisele never assorted the m&ms by the patriots colors for us,” another fan wrote.
“Gisele only gave us kale cookies.”
“Gisele never made us Rice Krispies, she tried to feed us avocados.”
“Gisele only shared her kisses for her Jiu Jitsu instructor.”
“Gisele never crushed pretzels for us. She only crushed Tom’s heart.”
A clear shift in Patriots culture
The contrast between the two eras could not be more obvious to fans.
During Brady’s time in New England, Bundchen famously promoted strict diets, food restrictions, and lifestyle rules that often rubbed fans the wrong way.
Ann Michael represents the opposite.
Her content feels relatable, warm, and community driven. Patriots fans see her as one of their own, not a celebrity passing through.
Fans quickly nicknamed her “Bake Maye” and openly declared her the new First Lady of New England.
As the Patriots prepare for their first serious playoff run since Brady’s departure, it is clear the fan base has moved on.
The Bakemas series ended on Christmas Day, but Ann Michael’s popularity continues to rise.
For Patriots fans, the message is clear.
The dynasty may be gone, but a new era has officially arrived.
