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Patriots QB Drake Maye Apologizes to Steelers Rookie for Declining Jersey Swap

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Foxborough, MA — September 22, 2025 — The New England Patriots’ 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 at Gillette Stadium was tough enough, but rookie quarterback Drake Maye found himself in the spotlight for a postgame incident. After the game, Maye declined a jersey swap request from Steelers rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, a moment caught on camera that sparked widespread debate.

The game saw Maye shine early, throwing two touchdown passes to tight end Hunter Henry, but five turnovers—three fumbles (two by Rhamondre Stevenson, one by Antonio Gibson) and two interceptions—doomed New England. Pittsburgh’s defense, led by Harmon’s first NFL sack and T.J. Watt’s two tackles for loss, capitalized, while Aaron Rodgers sealed the win with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III.

During postgame handshakes, Harmon, fresh off his NFL debut, approached Maye for a jersey swap. Visibly upset after his costly mistakes, Maye shook his head and walked off, a clip that went viral on X. Fans were divided: some empathized with Maye’s frustration after the 1-2 Patriots’ defeat, while others called the snub “disrespectful” to a fellow rookie trying to make his mark.

On Monday, Maye addressed the controversy: “I owe an apology for how I handled that. I was caught up in the moment’s frustration. Derrick’s a talented player, and I have nothing but respect for him.” He added, “Next time, I’ll be the one asking for his jersey. I can’t let emotions overshadow my leadership, and I’ll grow from this.”

The incident underscores New England’s struggles, having lost 16 of their last 19 home games. For Pittsburgh, now 2-1, the win highlighted their defensive grit despite injuries to Alex Highsmith and Max Scharping. As the Patriots face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4, Maye’s apology reflects a lesson in leadership beyond the stat sheet—sometimes, it’s the small gestures that define a player’s character.

Former Cowboys QB Mark Sanchez Arrested After Hospitalization, Faces Charges for Assaulting Elderly Truck Driver While Intoxicated
Former Cowboys QB Mark Sanchez Arrested After Hospitalization, Faces Charges for Assaulting Elderly Truck Driver While Intoxicated Indianapolis, Indiana – Former Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was discharged from the hospital and taken straight to Marion County Jail after being charged with assault and public intoxication, according to TMZ Sports and Fox59. The incident occurred on the night of Friday, October 3, in an alley behind a restaurant in Indianapolis. According to police, Sanchez – in a heavily intoxicated state – engaged in a physical altercation with a 69-year-old truck driver after the driver’s vehicle blocked his path while he was jogging. A witness at the scene described the chaotic moment: “I was near the back alley behind the restaurant when I saw him running up, yelling, looking very drunk. The truck driver tried to avoid him, so they got into a heated argument and then a fight. The driver must have been so scared he pulled something out — it all happened so fast. I ran over and saw both of them bleeding.” Sanchez’s alleged victim, who is still unnamed, is seen in graphic photos taken at the hospital. The situation escalated when the driver, who reportedly didn’t hear Sanchez’s shouts because he had removed his hearing aids, was pushed by Sanchez. In self-defense, the driver used pepper spray and stabbed Sanchez in the chest with a sharp object. Both men sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. According to police reports, Sanchez was in critical but stable condition, while the driver suffered a laceration to his cheek and tongue damage from the retaliatory strike. On Sunday morning, October 5, Sanchez was released from the hospital but immediately arrested. Police confirmed he faces two misdemeanor charges: Public Intoxication and Assault. However, according to rumors, the former player was released on a $300 bond. Mark Sanchez, 38 years old, was a QB for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 season, serving as a backup to Dak Prescott. Once heralded as a rising star with the New York Jets, his career declined and ended in 2019. The Indianapolis police continue to investigate the incident. Though out of immediate danger, Sanchez now faces potential criminal prosecution, marking a dark new chapter in the life of the former NFL star once celebrated as the “youthful face of the Jets”.