Patriots QB Drake Maye Quietly Funds Scholarships for Military & First Responder Families

As the New England Patriots head into one of the biggest weeks of the NFL season, their star quarterback is making headlines off the field as much as on it. Drake Maye—fresh off an MVP-caliber season and a Super Bowl appearance—has quietly been giving back in a meaningful way by funding college scholarships through Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that supports spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

While most fans know Maye for his arm strength and leadership in his first full NFL season, many may not yet be familiar with the impact he’s making behind the scenes. In partnership with the Folds of Honor Boston chapter, Maye has helped establish multiple scholarships to help families who have made profound sacrifices for their country and local communities.

A Leader On and Off the Field

Selected third overall by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks. In just his second season, he completed over 72% of his passes and posted 35 total touchdowns, helping guide New England to a standout year and a spot in Super Bowl LX.

Yet while national attention has focused on his on-field success, Maye has deliberately kept many of his charitable efforts under the radar. Through his partnership with Folds of Honor Boston and financial support facilitated with Betterment—a wealth-management platform for which he serves as an ambassador—Maye has helped fund seven scholarships per year, one for each New England state and one for his alma mater, the University of North Carolina.

One of the recipients funded through this program includes a student from Maye’s old region, showing how his support bridges local communities and broader service family networks.

Why Folds of Honor?

Maye’s personal connection to the military plays a key role in his support for the charity. His grandfather, Ed Sockwell, served in the United States Navy—a legacy that clearly shaped Maye’s appreciation for service members and first responders. This connection led to his involvement with the Boston chapter of Folds of Honor shortly after joining the Patriots.

Folds of Honor has been active since 2007 and has awarded tens of thousands of scholarships nationwide to families of those who sacrificed their lives or health in service to their country or communities. By partnering with the organization, Maye is helping ensure that education remains within reach for families who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

Impact Beyond the Spotlight

Unlike many high-profile athletes whose charitable acts become headline news, Maye’s scholarship work has flown somewhat under the public radar. That’s partly by design. Maye and his team have chosen to focus on quietly making a difference rather than seeking acclaim for their generosity.

“Folds of Honor Boston is so excited to partner with Drake Maye to support New England families of our nation’s military and first responders,” said Sean McDonough, board member of the Boston chapter and ESPN broadcaster. “He is an incredible talent but even more so a great guy and a person of high character.”

The scholarships aren’t small gestures, either. Scholarships funded through Folds of Honor can support a wide range of educational needs—anything from K-12 tuition and tutoring to college, technical schools, and even post-graduate programs. When someone sacrifices so much, ensuring their families have educational opportunities is one of the most long-lasting forms of support.

A Wider Pattern of Giving

This scholarship effort fits into a broader pattern of charitable activities for Maye. In late 2024, he donated to hurricane relief efforts in his home state of North Carolina through The Salvation Army, aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

He and his wife also made headlines for the heartfelt choice to donate all their wedding gifts to shelters and help centers in their hometown, a promise they kept quietly after marrying in June 2025.

Taken together, these efforts paint a picture of a young athlete who recognizes his platform and is using it in ways that extend well beyond touchdowns and quarterback ratings.

A Legacy in the Making

As Maye continues his journey with the Patriots—on the biggest stage this week and beyond—his actions off the field are fast becoming part of his story. While many players make occasional charitable gestures, Maye’s sustained partnership with a respected nonprofit like Folds of Honor stands out for its strategic impact and sincere intent.

In an age where sports figures often face scrutiny for how they use their influence, Maye’s work offers a different narrative: one of service, gratitude, and meaningful support for families who have given so much.

Whether leading a game-winning drive or investing in a young student’s future, Drake Maye is finding ways to make his mark both in New England and in the lives of those who have sacrificed for others.