The New England Patriots are off to a 9-2 start, but quarterback Drake Maye has found himself in the spotlight for more than his play. On Thursday, Stephen A Smith called him out on First Take.
First Take’s ESPN superstar Stephen A. Smith, host Shae Cornette, former NFL MVP Cam Newton, former NFL star Ryan Clark and former NBA player Reggie Theus share a laugh during the live show at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
First Take’s ESPN superstar Stephen A Smith, host Shae Cornette, former NFL MVP Cam Newton, former NFL star Ryan Clark and former NBA player Reggie Theus share a laugh during the live show at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
The segment immediately drew attention. Smith challenged whether Maye was being honest about ignoring media and outside criticism, raising questions about how quarterbacks handle public scrutiny while leading a top team.
Stephen A Smith Calls Out New England Patriots QB Drake Maye
The controversy began after Cam Newton doubled down on his comment that the Patriots are still “fool’s gold,” despite their strong record. Maye responded earlier this week, saying he focuses only on his team and preparation.
“Oh no, I don’t even know what show he’s on,” Maye said. “I just worry about what people in our organization think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”
Smith reacted strongly, saying Maye knows exactly who talks about him on national TV. He emphasized that all NFL players are aware of major sports shows and cannot honestly claim to ignore them.
“He’s a liar,” Smith said during the segment. “Don’t tell me you don’t know that Cam Newton is on this show. You’re lying.” His comments were repeated multiple times, underscoring his point about honesty and accountability.
“Drake Maye, respectfully, you’re having a great season, but I also put Drake Maye in the position where it’s like, yo, we don’t really know.”
—@CameronNewton doubling down on the Patriots being “fool’s gold” 🍿 pic.twitter.com/uDLE8j8Upi
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 20, 2025
The segment spread quickly on social media. Some fans were confused because Maye hadn’t attacked anyone and gave a standard response that athletes often use. Others agreed with Smith that public figures should acknowledge the attention they receive.
Analysts compared Maye’s calm approach to a young Tom Brady, noting his focus under pressure. While Smith criticized his answer, many observers still see potential in Maye’s ability to stay composed during both games and media scrutiny.
The Patriots are preparing for a key matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who may see the return of Joe Burrow. The game will test Maye’s ability to stay focused on football while the media and fans continue to watch closely.
The exchange also highlights a broader issue in the NFL. Quarterbacks not only play under pressure on the field but also face constant public evaluation. A player’s handling of scrutiny can significantly impact their reputation and the perception of their team.
For now, Maye has not responded publicly to Stephen A Smith’s comments. He remains focused on his preparation and helping the Patriots continue their winning streak. The league, fans, and media will continue watching as the season unfolds.