In his second season in the NFL, Derek Meyer Nearly won league MVP honors and led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl.

While the 23-year-old has won widespread praise on the pitch, it was perhaps the most meaningful support he received ahead of Sunday’s kick-off. The emerging quarterback’s wife, Ann Michael Meyerdoing pregame warmups on the sideline at Levi’s Stadium.

After spotting Ann, Meyer hugged and kissed his wife before continuing to prepare to compete on the game’s biggest stage.

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New England Patriots’ Drake Maye (10) hugs his wife Ann Michael Maye before the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Pro Bowl quarterback married his high school sweetheart last June in North Carolina. As an act of charity, the couple donated their wedding gifts to the homeless, news & observer the report said.

Maye first opened up about his relationship with Ann in 2020, captioning the couple’s New Year’s Day post, “Introducing 20 with 10.”

Just 9 days away from the Super Bowl, Patriots player Derek Meyer misses practice due to injury

Meyer has been outspoken about his views on marriage. Days before the Super Bowl, Meyer said he would advise all teammates marry at some point in their lives.

New England Patriots’ Drake Maye (10) warms up before the start of Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Ciaran Henderson/Getty Images)

“My teammates have the right to do whatever they choose,” he said. “I would definitely recommend that they eventually get married. It’s one of the best things in life. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me in my life. There’s no better feeling than coming home to a wife who loves you, cares about you, and has your best interests at heart.

“I know my teammates and some of them are going through different stages of their lives. But I chose to get married young and I don’t regret it at all.”

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field during halftime of Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026; Santa Clara, California. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Meyer and Ann both attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Meyer ends his two-year re-election tar heel The starting quarterback threw 62 touchdowns. He threw for 8,018 yards in three years in a North Carolina uniform.

Ann took to social media to express her support and excitement shortly after the Patriots selected Meyer in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“Drake, words can’t describe how proud I am of you. What an incredible blessing it is to be by your side through it all,” she wrote in the 2024 caption Instagram posts. “I love you and can’t wait for the next chapter! Shoot!!”

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Meyer appeared in 13 games during his rookie season. In Mike Vrabel’s first season as coach, Meyer posted the league’s highest completion percentage. He finished the regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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