New England Patriots QB Drake Maye swaps the playbook for pumpkins at Halloween bash, brings smiles to kids battling pediatric cancer

The New England Patriots traded their game jerseys for costumes this week — and rookie quarterback Drake Maye was front and center. As Halloween approaches, the Patriots teamed up with the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and the New England Revolution Foundation to host a special Halloween party for children fighting pediatric cancer.

The event took place at Gillette Stadium on October 28, giving kids and their families a chance to forget hospital rooms for a night and simply have fun.

Drake Maye shows up in costume for a good cause

Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, arrived dressed as Charizard, the fiery Pokémon character, drawing smiles and laughter from everyone there. The young quarterback was joined by teammates Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Marcus Jones, and Ben Brown, along with team mascot Pat Patriot, the Patriots Cheerleaders, and New England Revolution forward Malcolm Fry and mascot Slyde.

More than 40 children from hospitals including Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Mass General Hospital, UMass Memorial Health, and One Summit attended the event with their families.

They took part in Halloween activities like pumpkin decorating, cookie design, and fun games, surrounded by players who made sure every kid felt special.

A breakout season on the field, and a big heart off it

While fans know Maye for his breakout rookie season — with 2,026 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and just three interceptions — he’s also making an impression off the field.

He’s added 250 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on the ground, quickly becoming a fan favorite across New England. But appearances like this show another side of him — one that connects deeply with fans and the local community. “They've been through it, and the fans have been through it the last couple years,” Maye said.

“So it's just credit to them. I know the fans have been awesome. Like I said, I think they're the best fans in the league, and they continue to show out every week.”

The Patriots’ lasting commitment to community

The New England Patriots Foundation, started by Robert Kraft in 1994, continues to help families across the region through year-round programs and partnerships. Its sister organization, the New England Revolution Foundation, launched in 1996, focuses on supporting local initiatives around childhood cancer, social justice, and inclusion. Together, they’ve built a strong community presence — and this Halloween celebration was another reminder that for the Patriots, giving back is just as important as winning on Sundays.Also read: “It finally caught up to me”: NFL legend Tom Brady reveals health scare after nonstop post-retirement grind pushes him to the limit