TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye’s Interview on NFL Network 7/26
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Here’s what Drake Maye had to say during his interview with NFL Network on Saturday, July 26, 2025:
On how he’d describe his evolution as a player to this point:
“Yeah, no doubt. I think it’s, first off, a lot more comfortable coming out here, knowing what to expect in here in year two. I came out here last year in training camp, and it was a quite surprise. So just the tempo of it, tempo of practice, how to practice, I think you want to practice, you want to try to be perfect. It’s not going to be perfect. We want to try to be. And I think kind of knowing that and knowing I’m the guy heading into the year, I think there’s something on my plate that I think I need to take care of. And I’m working towards it, trying to earn the respect of the guys, new offense, trying to get a grasp of that. I think it’s been great kind of getting to be out here with the guys, starting training camp, what a turnout for the fans out here. I think it just, kind of find my stride and try to stack it each and every day.”
On the fact no leader can do it unless it’s authentic, and if there were things he had to expand about himself to get himself into a better leadership spot:
“Yeah, I think, like you said, you got to be authentic. You want to be yourself, but at the same time, you got to adapt to different guys. The receivers, you may be able to jump on a little more. The O-line, you got to love them up some. I think just adapt to different guys, and you have relationships with different guys. I think that’s just kind of the best way I’m trying to approach it.”
On that meaning he has to just get to know his teammates and how they are as a person:
“That’s the big thing. I think a lot of great quarterbacks that have been around try to do that. I think that’s one of the best ways to do it and be a leader is you understand their background, understand kind of what they’re dealing with outside of football, and just try to connect with them in that way.”
On the fact he worked during the offseason on various aspects of his own game, and where he sees the tangible effects from that work:
“I think Coach McDaniels is playing fast. I think he’s playing fast. This game, knowing where you’re going with the football, knowing where your feet are, I think just find a stable platform to throw off of because it’s not always going to be stable back there. I think these D-Lines nowadays are good, and these defenses are disguising. Just knowing where you’re going with the football, trying to play fast, have my feet in the ground. Then just like I said, this is what training camp for, feeling the guys out, different routes, saying, ‘Hey, in zone, they’re going to sit down a little bit, or man, they’re going to go work some different stems.’ I think it’s been great being with these guys, and our defense has given us a challenge, which is great.”
On if he did any homework on McDaniels when he knew he was going to be his new coordinator, and who he talked to and what did he find out, as well as what it’s been like to work with him so far:
“He’s been great. I think the biggest thing is just who he’s coached. I think it speaks for itself. We’re in there watching Tom, the greatest ever, watching clips of him. Coach knows what he’s thinking, knows what the play is. That’s pretty cool to watch old drills, old QB individual, little things like that that I appreciate and try to go back in the database and watch just for how he did it or how he did it in training camp, year five or six, or even how long he played, 15 what he was doing. I think the biggest thing with Coach is just kind of understand what his thought process is, what he wants on the play, what he’s thinking. That’s what he’s challenged me to do. Don’t get bored of doing the right plays and getting the ball out. That’s what I felt like Tom did the best. These are other quarterbacks have played in Coach’s system. Other guys that I called, Hoop [Austin Hooper] played with him in Vegas, Mack Hollins, North Carolina guy played with him. So there’s a different guy. Not many quarterbacks that I knew that played for him.”
On if he got to Tom Brady:
“No, no. No, I didn’t. I wish. I saw I saw Julian [Edelman] and saw Gronk in the offseason at the Pro Bowl. So I got to talk to those guys about Coach. They said that you’ll love them. So it’s been everything and that, and just excited to keep going.”
On the people they brought in this offseason, like Stefon Diggs, along with the rookies and second year players and what the maturity of those young guys are as they try to find a role for themselves:
“Yeah, I think it’s huge. I think the best thing for me is I’ve been in that role last year, knowing the transition of coming into the NFL, knowing your stuff, knowing the details. It’s a lot more detailed than college. It’s not just, ‘Hey, this concept is going to get them and go beat them with you’re better than the other guy.’ These guys are going to be just as good or better. Just keep on playing. Those young guys are figuring out. I think Kyle’s playing up here and running the routes on Gonzo [Christian Gonzalez] and CD [Carlton Davis] and these guys that are veterans and great players in this league. I think it’s great work for us. And young guys like TreVeyon [Henderson], they’re figuring it out. I just got to do my job of trying to give them the football.”
On Will Campbell saying how serious he is about taking the job of protecting him and if he’s seen that:
“I think that’s in full swing. Right when I heard it, it makes you fired up. It makes you want to come out here and get the pads on. So it’s pretty cool hearing that from a young guy like him. And I think he’s going to come out here and continue to prove it.”
On the fact it doesn’t hurt to have a veteran center too:
“No doubt. Exactly. From Charlotte, too.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This transcript was done based on the available footage and is subject to typographical errors. If you spot anything, please let me know in the comments below.)
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