“Not the end”: Cam Newton has a surprising change of heart regarding Drake Maye following the Patriots’ Super Bowl LX loss

For most of the 2025 season, Cam Newton was one of Drake Maye’s loudest critics, repeatedly brushing him off as a “game manager” who benefited from a strong roster. But after the Patriots fell short in Super Bowl 60, Newton has now shifted his stance on the Patriots' QB.

The former NFL MVP did not come with another hot take but a huge statement of respect for Maye. He came with perspective. And for Maye, that kind of support may matter more than any stat.In an appearance on First Take, Newton admitted that Maye grew fast and played at a level where people had to take him seriously, even earning his utmost respect. He also encouraged Maye not to be discouraged by the loss but instead turn it into motivation.

According to Newton, the loss does not define him, and this is only just the beginning for the talented QB.

Why Newton’s message hits differently after what he said all season

Cam Newton stated, “You made leaps, strides, and bounds to becoming an MVP candidate. You do not start here next year. Next year is a new chapter. Next year is a new situation. But the goal is still the same—winning the Super Bowl. Allow yourself once again to feel that emotion, go through it all season, get prepared, get healthy, and understand with what we saw this year, it’s only the beginning, not the end.”

That is a huge change from the way Newton talked about Maye during the season. On his 4th & 1 podcast, he questioned how much credit Maye deserved and argued the Patriots were being carried by their defense. At the time, Newton said, “They’re [NE Patriots] not here because of Drake Maye. That’s just facts. Does that make Drake Maye a bad player? No. But I would also say Drake Maye did enough to lose a game that he won, too.”To be fair, the Patriots’ defense was elite in the regular season.

They ranked sixth in rushing defense at 101.7 yards per game and eighth in total defense at 295.2 yards per game. They also beat the first- and second-ranked defenses in the playoffs, proving their unit was not just good on paper.Still, Maye was far from a passenger. The 23-year-old led the NFL with a 77.1 QBR and finished third in passing touchdowns with 31. He also took New England to the Super Bowl in his first playoff run, which is rare no matter how you slice it. Newton’s new tone comes from experience. He knows what a Super Bowl loss feels like, and he is sympathizing with Maye’s current situation.