Drake Maye's Wife, Ann Michael Breaks Silence On Going Viral As Patriots Advance To Super Bowl

The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship game on January 25, 2026 (ET) to advance to the Super Bowl. While conditions were difficult for passing, Drake Maye led the Patriots with 65 rushing yards, which became a key factor in their victory. The player's performance solidified his role as the team's leader in the post-Tom Brady era. Amid the Patriots' successful NFL season, the spotlight fell on their star quarterback, Denver Broncos' wife, Ann Michael Maye. She has been dominating the headlines for a while now, and recently she opened up about the rise in popularity.

Ann Michael Maye addresses growing interest in her amid the Patriots' 2025-26 NFL run

Drake Maye's wife, Ann Michael Maye, has candidly discussed her sudden social media fame. In a January 2026 interview with Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy, Ann Michael admitted she was not used to the spotlight. Previously, fans flocked around her famous husband wherever they went, and Ann was the one who clicked photos of them, but lately, things have been different. In the latest NFL season, Drake Maye's fans have shown great interest in her and want her in the photos rather than behind the lens. Calling it a "weird" feeling, Ann stated:

"I'm not used to it..It kind of blew up really fast and I'm used to Drake having it, you know, everywhere we go. People were asking him for pictures and things and I'm the one taking the photo. And now that people want [photos with] me. Yeah, it's so weird."

Ann Michael Maye considered the sudden surge of fan interest in her "crazy" but "really cool." As Drake Maye's better half went viral online and her popularity surged, she opened up about the new experience. According to Ann, the surge in fan interest in her didn't feel too intrusive, as everyone has been "super nice." She found it "kind of fun" to receive love from so many people and become a part of the spotlight that fell on her husband. Regarding the same, Ann Michael Maye told Dave Portnoy:

"It's crazy, but it's really cool. Everyone's been like super nice and it's kind of fun to experience all of it."

Why has Ann Michael Maye become a beloved entity among NFL fans?

The wife of New England Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye, has become a beloved figure among NFL stars and fans due to her down-to-earth charm. Fans appreciate Ann Michael Maye's genuine, low-key social media presence, which is a stark contrast to the high-fashion glamour often associated with other high-profile NFL partners. She comes across as a 100-percent normal woman, making her highly relatable. Fans love her TikTok content, which showcases her love for baking. Her 'Bakemas' TikTok series, where she posted a new recipe every day in December 2025, went viral, garnering millions of views and likes.

Ann often shares her homemade treats with Drake and his offensive linemen, which has been humorously credited by fans and even a former coach for the team's success. The popularity of those videos led to her hosting a cooking segment, Beyond Bakemas, on NBC Sports Boston. Beyond her professional ventures, Ann Michael serves as Drake Maye's biggest support system, marking her constant presence at his games. She is known for her spirited game-day outfits, including a popular 'I love Drake Maye' shirt. Her public support and heartwarming posts about her husband resonate with fans, who gush over their enduring, childhood-sweetheart love story.

Ann Michael Maye and Drake Maye's relationship timeline

Drake Maye and Ann Michael Hudson began dating in 2011, when they were both 12 and in middle school. They attended high school together in North Carolina and continued their romance through college at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Ann Michael's brother, Tad Hudson, was even a backup quarterback teammate of Drake's at UNC for some time. After over a decade of togetherness, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level.

Drake proposed to Ann Michael on a beach in January 2025, shortly after his rookie NFL season. After five months of enjoying lives as fiancés, Ann and Drake got hitched. They tied the knot on June 21, 2025, in Linville, North Carolina. A highlight of the wedding was the decision to donate nearly all their wedding gifts to local charities and shelters.

More about Ann Michael Maye. Why is she being compared to Gisele Bündchen?

Ann Michael Maye grew up in North Carolina, and beyond her identity as Drake Maye's spouse, she is a social media sensation in her own right. Ann is being compared to Gisele Bündchen primarily because of the symbolic shift in the New England Patriots' era from Tom Brady to Drake Maye, but the comparisons highlight their differing personas. Ann Michael is seen as a relatable, cosy domestic figure on social media, in contrast to Gisele's former high-fashion celebrity image.

Gisele Bündchen, during her time with Tom Brady, was an über model known for her prominent high-fashion campaigns and glamorous public presence. Contrastingly, Ann Michael Maye has gained a large fan following on TikTok through her baking videos, showcasing a grounded energy. Fans often comment things like, "Gisele would never bake for us," a trend Ann Michael has addressed with humour and grace, defending Gisele in the process.

What are your thoughts on Ann Michael Maye addressing her surge in popularity amid the Patriots' successful 2025-26 NFL run? Let us know.

Also Read: Will Seahawk QB, Sam Darnold Get Married To Fiancee, Katie Hoofnagle Amid NFL Season? Find Out

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