Cam Newton Takes Shot at Patriots QB Drake Maye

January 30, 2026 ,
Cam Newton cheers on Auburn during 2025 game.

Drake Maye grew up idolizing Cam Newton, but Newton is not exactly returning the favor now that Maye has New England on the doorstep of Super Bowl LX. 

On his “4th & 1” podcast, Newton took another swing at both the Patriots and their 23-year-old quarterback, arguing the run has been more about defense than Maye, then basically daring people to disagree.

Cam Newton calls Drake Maye a “game manager”

Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, said the Patriots “aren’t here because of Drake Maye,” and compared Maye’s postseason vibe to past Super Bowl quarterbacks known more for surviving than starring, naming Trent Dilfer, Jim McMahon, Brad Johnson, and Rex Grossman. 

He also doubled down on the idea that New England has benefited from a soft path, even calling it the “easiest road to the Super Bowl in NFL history,” which has become his go-to angle as the Patriots keep winning anyway. 

Drake Maye’s stats make the shot feel personal

The funny part is Maye’s regular season resume does not justify Newton's comments. 

He threw for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight picks, completed 72.0% of his passes, and led the league in QBR at 77.1, plus he posted a 113.5 passer rating. 

Still, Newton’s point is built on January evidence, because Maye’s AFC title performance was the kind of box score that invites hot takes, as he recorded just 86 passing yards in a 10-7 blizzard win over Denver Broncos. 

The counter is obvious too: Maye ran for 65 yards, and the Patriots’ only touchdown in that game, and New England’s defense has been the hammer, allowing just 26 total points across three playoff wins. 

Photo Credit: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images 

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