Drake Maye excels in many areas on the football field, but when it comes to the kitchen, the New England Patriots quarterback openly admits he falls short. During the Super Bowl Opening Night festivities, Maye offered a refreshingly honest and humorous take on his culinary limitations, endearing himself to fans with his self-deprecating charm.
A Quarterback's Kitchen Confession
While Maye's professional reputation is built on his powerful arm and calm demeanor under pressure, he revealed that his confidence evaporates completely once he approaches a stove. Speaking at the 2026 Super Bowl kickoff event held at the San Jose Convention Center on February 2, Maye made no attempt to compete with his wife Ann Michael in the culinary department.
When asked how he compares to his wife, especially given her viral baking videos, Maye responded without hesitation or ego, creating a moment that felt genuinely authentic and unscripted. "I'm not great, not great at all," Maye told PEOPLE when discussing his cooking capabilities with a room full of media representatives.
Shifting the Spotlight to His Wife
Maye quickly redirected any culinary praise toward his wife, calling her his kitchen MVP. "I leave that up to my wife, she's a baller," he declared enthusiastically. "She's the best at it, and I love her for it." This heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted the supportive dynamic between the couple.
Ann Michael, 22, who has been Maye's partner since high school, has cultivated a substantial following through her engaging baking tutorials, lifestyle content, and game day videos. Her popularity has transcended social media platforms, earning her a dedicated show on NBC Sports Boston called Beyond Bakemas, where she showcases her creative recipes.
Maye's Limited Culinary Repertoire
When discussing his own cooking abilities, Maye kept expectations appropriately modest. "What I can do... I can do a little baking in the morning," he shared with a laugh. "Other than that, I can do a bacon egg and cheese... a bacon egg and cheese is about all I can do for breakfast — other than that, I can do a PB&J and a grilled cheese. That's about it."
Despite his limited kitchen skills, Maye's appreciation for his wife's culinary talents remains unmistakable. In a recent NFL Instagram clip, he ranked her creations with genuine enthusiasm:
- Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle: "She just made those for the linemen this week. That's my number one."
- Crumbl-style sugar cookies: Secured the second position in his personal ranking
- Puppy Chow: Earned the third spot among his favorites
Even when a particular recipe doesn't align with his personal taste preferences, like her Pistachio Bread, Maye maintains his supportive stance. "I think it's good, I'm not a fan. I'll put that at four," he admitted honestly.
A Supportive Partnership
The couple's mutual support extends beyond the kitchen. Some of Ann Michael's homemade treats even find their way to the Patriots facility, though Maye ensures he receives his fair share. This sharing of culinary creations symbolizes their collaborative approach to both their personal and professional lives.
Looking ahead to potential Super Bowl celebrations, Maye made it clear that his wife deserves recognition for her role in his journey. "Whatever she wants. Whatever she wants, she deserves it. She's been a part of the journey, so she wants. Whatever she wants to celebrate with." This statement underscores the importance of their partnership as Maye prepares to lead the Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the championship game.
Drake Maye's candid discussion about his cooking limitations provides a relatable glimpse into the life of an NFL quarterback, reminding fans that even professional athletes have areas where they rely on others. His genuine admiration for his wife's talents and their supportive relationship adds a heartwarming dimension to his public persona as he approaches the biggest game of his career.
