HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — In the heart of suburban Charlotte lies a cul-de-sac where the Maye family resided. The driveway, widened a few years ago by Dad to prevent dents from pickup basketball, serves as a nostalgic reminder of the days when the four Maye boys would engage in fierce games of “King of the Court” under the dim glow of the headlights from Dad’s truck.
As the youngest Maye boy, Drake, recently packed up his white truck and set out on his own to embark on his NFL journey after signing a lucrative four-year deal with the New England Patriots. The eldest brother, Luke, reminiscences about their childhood basketball battles, reflecting on the competitive spirit that drove them to excel in their respective sports.
The Maye parents, Mark and Aimee, made the trip to New England to visit Drake’s new apartment and take in the sights of his future home. Mark, a former standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina, never made it to the NFL due to a shoulder injury, but now watches proudly as his youngest son prepares to take the league by storm.
Drake’s childhood dreams of success were fueled by the experiences of witnessing his brothers’ athletic achievements, from Luke’s game-winning shot in the NCAA Tournament to Cole’s standout performances on the football field. His fierce competitiveness was forged in the backyard battles against his older siblings, with his dad cautioning them to keep things from getting too physical.
Despite the distance from their suburban Charlotte roots, the Maye family remains close-knit, with Drake’s success serving as a testament to the values instilled in them by their parents. As Drake takes the field for the Patriots, he carries with him the memories of those driveway battles and the lessons learned from his family’s unwavering support.
