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.
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