Drake Maye’s biggest supporter is Ann Michael, and her journey from UNC graduate to Patriots fan favorite is worth knowing

Ann Michael Maye has spent more than a decade beside Drake Maye, and New England now knows her almost as well as it knows him. The Patriots quarterback met her in middle school, followed her to the same college and married her in June 2025. She earned her UNC business degree that May and then moved to Boston to build a life around his NFL career. Fans noticed quickly. Between her viral baking videos and a hoodie she wore to a playoff game, she has become one of the team's most recognised faces off the field.Who is Ann Michael Maye, Drake Maye's biggest supporter?Ann Michael Hudson was born on August 11, 2003, in Huntersville, North Carolina, and grew up around football. Her father played at Wofford College. Her younger brother, Tad, was one of Drake's backup quarterbacks at UNC in 2023 before he moved to Coastal Carolina.She and Drake started dating at 12. Both went to William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, and they made the relationship Instagram-official in January 2020. After graduation, both chose Chapel Hill.Her own résumé is strong. She earned a business degree from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School in 2025, with minors in entrepreneurship and conflict management. She served as vice president of finance in her sorority and held an internship at Deloitte Consulting. She finished at 21, a year behind Drake in age but right alongside him in ambition. She was also with Drake on draft night in 2024, when New England took him third overall, and after college she left North Carolina, the only home she had known, to live near him in Boston.Drake proposed in January 2025, soon after his rookie season ended. The wedding followed on June 21 at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville.How did Ann Michael Maye become a Patriots fan favorite?It started with food. Her Bakemas videos went viral, and by January she said she had finished filming a baking show of her own. Her TikTok comments fill up with Patriots fans, and some now call her the first lady of New England. A football household likely helped too. Growing up with a father and brother who played the game, she already knew how a long season feels.She also shows up. Before the Divisional Round game against the Texans, she arrived at Gillette Stadium in an "I Heart Drake Maye" sweatshirt, the same design many fans had been wearing. She has also joined Dave Portnoy for a pizza review in Needham.Calling her the biggest supporter is fair, but she does not hold that role alone. After the Wild Card win over the Chargers, Drake talked about his parents and brothers first, then added, "And obviously, Ann Michael, so I can't forget about her." His parents, Mark and Aimee, are at every game too.What sets her apart is the timing. She made the move to Boston before the Super Bowl run made it look smart.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.