Drake Maye And Wife Ann Michael Shine On And Off Field

All eyes in New England were fixed on Gillette Stadium this Sunday, but the spotlight wasn’t just on the Patriots’ dynamic quarterback Drake Maye. His wife, Ann Michael Maye, has rapidly become a fan favorite and a bona fide social media sensation, earning the affectionate title of “First Lady of New England” from Patriots Nation. As the Patriots prepared to host the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round—their first such appearance since the 2018 NFL season—Ann Michael’s presence and story added a layer of intrigue and excitement to the playoff buzz.

Drake Maye’s rise to NFL stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. After being named the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback for the first time on October 13, 2024, against the Houston Texans, Maye’s rookie campaign set the stage for a breakout second season. In 2025, he steered the Patriots to a sparkling 14-3 regular season record, capturing the AFC East title and earning both Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. His stats? Simply jaw-dropping: 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, just eight interceptions, a 72% completion rate, and a 113.5 passer rating. That’s not just good—it’s elite.

But while Drake Maye dazzled on the field, Ann Michael Maye was quietly building her own empire off it. Born Ann Michael Hudson on August 11, 2003, in Huntersville, North Carolina, she’s been part of Drake’s journey since their earliest days. The pair met in middle school and have been inseparable ever since, with Ann Michael supporting Drake through high school at William A. Hough in Cornelius, North Carolina, and then at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, she majored in Business Administration and minored in Entrepreneurship and Conflict Management at the Kenan Flagler Business School, graduating in 2025. Her resume is impressive: vice president of finance for Kappa Delta Sorority, involvement with the Finance Society and Carolina Women in Business, and internships with both Piedmont Pennies and Deloitte Consulting’s summer scholar program.

Ann Michael’s athletic and leadership pedigree is equally strong. At Hough High School, she was team captain for varsity softball, field hockey, and cheerleading, and served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also a peer tutor and a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Spanish Honor Society. Her family’s football roots run deep—her father played at Wofford College, and her brother suited up alongside Drake at UNC.

The couple’s relationship blossomed from their early teens. Drake first made things Instagram-official in January 2020, and after years of supporting each other through the rigors of high school and college, they tied the knot at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina in June 2025. Their wedding, which made waves online for their decision to donate all their gifts, was celebrated with throwback photos and heartfelt posts. Ann Michael’s Instagram, with more than 225,000 followers, is filled with joyful snapshots from their wedding and the couple’s adventures on and off the field.

Since moving to Massachusetts, Ann Michael has fully embraced her new life. She’s been spotted exploring Newbury Street, teaching fitness classes at Higher Ground Fitness, and taking weekend trips to Newport and Nantucket. But it’s her digital presence that’s truly exploded. Her TikTok account, boasting over 380,000 followers as of January 18, 2026, is a hub for lifestyle, game day outfit inspiration, and especially her viral baking tutorials. Her “Bakemas” series—where she posted a new holiday baking recipe every day in December—sent her popularity soaring. One fan gushed, “We all stan the First Lady of New England,” while another declared, “Never skip a First Lady video.”

Ann Michael’s influence isn’t just limited to social media. She recently landed a baking show with NBC10 titled “Beyond Bakemas,” and even appeared in a One Bite Pizza Review with Dave Portnoy at Gianni’s Deli and Pizza in Needham. Her easygoing style, creative recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life with an NFL quarterback have made her a beloved figure far beyond Foxborough.

On game days, Ann Michael is hard to miss. For Sunday’s divisional showdown, she turned heads at Gillette Stadium with a bold “I LOVE DRAKE MAYE” shirt—a look that promptly went viral. Patriots fans and media alike couldn’t get enough, and social media lit up with reactions. Her posts in the lead-up to the game, including a TikTok video of her baking in a Patriots sweater, drew thousands of likes and comments. “Make sure Drake wears warm boots on the way to the game on Sunday, looks like snow!” one fan joked. Another quipped, “CJ Stroud ain’t eating this good.” The playful banter only added to the excitement swirling around the Mayes.

Drake Maye himself has been quick to credit Ann Michael’s support. As he told reporters, “I think it happened fast… In the last couple weeks it’s taken off. But, I think it’s her just being herself. She’s been awesome. She’s been a great addition up here for me. Getting married in the offseason, her coming up here to…” His appreciation for her role in his journey is clear, and it’s a sentiment echoed by Patriots fans who’ve embraced Ann Michael as part of the team’s extended family.

Even the opposition has taken notice. Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans offered high praise for Drake Maye heading into the divisional matchup, saying, “He can sling the ball, can escape the pocket. Does a great job throwing the deep ball. Very aggressive at trying to take their shots. High-powered offense. His ability to escape the pocket is what we have to be aware of this time around.” With the Patriots’ offense firing on all cylinders and Maye’s star continuing to rise, Sunday’s contest promised fireworks.

As the Patriots and Texans clashed for a spot in the AFC Championship, the story on and off the field was one of partnership, perseverance, and new beginnings. The action at Gillette Stadium was ongoing at press time, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET and the Patriots looking to extend their remarkable season. Whether it’s a perfectly thrown touchdown pass or a perfectly baked cookie, the Mayes have become the talk of New England—and it’s a story that’s still unfolding.