Drake Maye’s Father Mark Maye Raised Three Athletes And Was A Quarterback For UNC

Drake Maye and his father Mark Maye have both played as quarterbacks for UNC. The love for the game runs in the family blood. 

Mark Maye was a household name in the mid to late 80s as he ran the game for UNC. During his heyday, Mark made several records and etched his name in the history books of Tar Heels.

And when his son decided to join UNC, there was no hesitation from his father’s side, who certainly had a great experience with them. During one of the college games, Mark made history by passing more than 400 yards and having four touchdowns in a single game.

Earlier this year, he saw his son break that record in August as he recorded five touchdowns in the season opener against Florida. It’s not only the skills that have been passed down the generation, it’s the humble attitude as well.

When praised for his past achievements, Mark Maye tries to pivot from the question toward his son, Drake, who, in his freshman year, is already creating buzz all around.

Like many football players, Mark’s stupendous college career never really translated into NFL success. He went undrafted in 1988 and was later signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent.

Maybe being an early bloomer in the game could’ve cost Mark of having a successful NFL career. The man who was once honored by O.J Simpson during his high school days saw himself getting riddled with injuries all the time in his senior year, his most vital year.

Mark Maye was headed for a promising career before it ended due to injuries. In his junior year, the injuries came one after another.

In 1985, the former UNC quarterback suffered a devastating shoulder injury that doctors feared could end his career. And though Mark continued to play after the surgery, it was never the same for him.

In an interview, his mother said he was disappointed and even hinted that the family knew that the injury was grievous to the point that Mark could never play again. But his mother reassured the media that her son would be back stronger than ever.

Nothing can be more devastating for a quarterback than a shoulder injury. For Maye, having a shoulder injury in his third year spelled an end to his journey in football.

Mark sat out the entire year of 1985 but kept himself busy by coaching younger players. He started a year later but couldn’t duplicate his old form.

In his interviews, Mark says he doesn’t regret those injuries. He had a practical attitude towards it as he said footballers get injured all the time and that it was not a big deal.

But did he think the same way when he was in his early 20s, as the surgeons said he could never play again? We will never know. But now in his late 50s, he might feel a sense of deja vu as his son makes waves in UNC in his freshman year.

Drake Maye salutes his father, Mark Maye, for raising three athletes, one a footballer, the other a baseballer, and the oldest a basketballer. An excellent athlete, their father, was known for his supremacy in three sports.

Mark Maye excelled at basketball, football, and baseball. He picked up the latter from his father, Jerry, a baseball pitcher at Catawba during the 60s.

Continuing the family legacy, Mark became an all-state player in baseball and basketball but found true love in football. Now his two sons are in two sports, both of which their father has created a name for himself.

1. Luke Maye

Luke Maye, age 25, is the oldest son of Mark Maye and is a basketball player for the Spanish side Coviran Granada. And like his father, Luke was the darling of UNC.

Luke had a breakthrough season in 2017, was covered by various sports magazines, and dominated award ceremonies in the coming year. 

But the injury curse struck Luke as he was sidelined in 2019 after Milwaukee Bucks waived and assigned him to their G League team, Wisconsin Herd. Since 2020 Luke has been playing in Europe and had a brief stint in Italy before arriving in Spain. 

2. Cole Maye

Cole Maye, age 23, played for the Florida Gators but has now taken a step back from his baseball career. In 2017 as a freshman Cole and his team won the first baseball championship by defeating LSU. 

A year later, as a sophomore, he did not see any action and was redshirted. On his Instagram handle, Cole spends his time playing golf with friends and has many posts supporting his two brothers.

2. Drake Maye 

Drake Maye, age 20, is the latest name to have taken college football by storm. The quarterback of UNC is touted to be the next big star in the sport.

Drake is enjoying a stellar 2022 season and is a four-star prospect. He almost signed with Alabama in 2019 before changing his mind and joining North Carolina.

Many think he will be the no.1 draft in 2024, but with his interviews, it’s clear that Drake doesn’t believe in his hype and is ready to lead Tar to success.