Bill Belichick Allegedly Stops UNC from Celebrating Drake Maye’s Major Victory
Former North Carolina Quarterback Drake Maye Shines in NFL Upset, But Tar Heels Stay Silent
In a thrilling NFL matchup on Sunday night, former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye delivered one of the standout performances of his young professional career. Despite the excitement surrounding his 23-20 upset victory over the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, the University of North Carolina (UNC) failed to acknowledge Maye’s achievement on social media. This striking silence raises questions about the motivations behind the decision.
Drake Maye’s Stellar Performance Against the Bills
In a game against the Bills, known for their strong quarterback, Josh Allen, Maye completed 22 out of 30 passes for an impressive 273 yards. His passer rating of 101.1 underscored his ability to execute crucial plays, including a beautiful pass to Stefon Diggs, which helped keep the game competitive.
- 22 completions on 30 attempts
- 273 passing yards
- 101.1 passer rating
While Maye’s performance was widely praised, the absence of any promotion from the Tar Heels’ social media channels stood out, especially in contrast to other former players being celebrated. Reports suggest that UNC’s head coach, Bill Belichick, has directed the team not to share any Patriots-related posts, which seems to include celebrating Maye’s remarkable accomplishments.
The Underlying Tension Between UNC and Belichick
Belichick’s decision not to promote Maye stems from a complicated relationship with the Patriots, where he was head coach for 24 seasons and led the team to six Super Bowl victories before his recent dismissal. According to insiders, this directive reflects a broader tension within the UNC football program dating back to Belichick’s tenure with New England.
Interestingly, the Tar Heels did share highlights of another former player, Javontae Williams, scoring with the Dallas Cowboys on the same Sunday. This inconsistency in social media engagement raises eyebrows about the implications for Maye and the program’s commitment to supporting its alumni.
Support from Former Coach and Industry Reactions
Despite UNC’s silence, former head coach Mack Brown publicly congratulated Maye, emphasizing the strong bond built during their time at UNC. Brown’s heartfelt message showcased the continued support for Maye as he navigates his NFL journey:
“So happy for Drake. Fun to watch him win last night in Buffalo like he did so many times at UNC. Love and appreciate you, my friend! Keep it rolling!”
Controversies and Future Implications
A recent update revealed that UNC did eventually showcase a highlight of Maye’s performance, although many view this as a reaction rather than a proactive celebration. The situation has raised questions about the program’s approach to alumni relations and the impact of Belichick’s governance style on the perception of former players.
The dynamic between Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft has also drawn attention, especially following their parting in January 2024. While both parties initially sought to maintain a cordial relationship, public comments have reignited past tensions.
As both Belichick’s and Maye’s journeys continue to unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these stories evolve and what they mean for UNC football in the future. This chapter in Drake Maye’s career may mark a turning point not only for him but also for the relationships between alumni and the university.
