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Drake Maye hilariously asks Jim Nantz what do with AFC Championship trophy after interview

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels01/26/26ChandlerVessels

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots won the AFC Championship on Sunday, marking the first of the young QB’s career. He held on tight to the trophy during a postgame interview following the 10-7 win against the Denver Broncos, but when it concluded, still wasn’t quite sure whether he could take it with him.

The CBS broadcast captured Maye hilariously asking Jim Nantz whether it was OK for him to leave with the trophy to the locker room. We can’t be too hard on him, though, as it is his first time after all.

It wasn’t the best day for Maye as snowy conditions led to little offensive firepower for either team. He finished 10-of-21 passing for only 86 yards and also rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown. Perhaps most importantly, he did not commit any turnovers.

With the win in the AFC title game, the Patriots advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season. This is also only the second season for Maye, who was selected No. 3 overall out of North Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“What an atmosphere out here,” Maye said. “Battled the elements. Love this team. How about the defense? I love each and every one of them, man. Pats are back, baby.”

The Patriots defense forced two turnovers from Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham, who was starting in place of a injured Bo Nix. New England held the Broncos to just 181 yards of offense and a fumble recovery that set up the only touchdown of the game for the offense after it took over at the 12-yard line.

Drake Maye has been an integral part of New England getting back to the Super Bowl this season, ranking fourth in the NFL with 4,394 yards passing and 31 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. He is the second-youngest quarterback to make the Super Bowl in NFL history, trailing only Dan Marino, who took the Miami Dolphins to the Super Bowl in the 1984 season.

The Dolphins would go on to lose, however, so Maye could stil be the youngest QB to win a Super Bowl if the Patriots can pull that off. They’ll face the winner between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, who are playing Sunday evening for the NFC Championship.