Drake Maye called Aaron Rodgers the GOAT after the Patriots’ loss to the Jets

BOSTON — Drake May made his NFL debut on Thursday nightand the Patriots rookie still has a lot to learn. But that has nothing to do with his 16 snaps at the end of New England’s 24-3 loss to the New York Jets.

Apparently Maye needs a little history lesson when it comes to who holds the title of Greatest of All Time – better known as the GOAT.

After passing for 22 yards and rushing for 12 yards in relief action Thursday night late in the fourth quarter, Maye paused on MetLife Field to wait for Aaron Rodger, who had just dismantled the Patriots for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

“I’m waiting for the GOAT,” Maye said, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.

Maye was able to share a moment with Rodgers and their postgame handshake quickly went viral, with some New England fans questioning Maye’s understanding of Patriots history.

Aaron Rodgers, the GOAT? You’ve probably heard of this Tom Brady, right? You know, the guy who dominated the NFL until he was 45. The guy who won six Super Bowls in New England and added another with Tampa Bay, setting a whole bunch of NFL records in his 23-year career.

Rodgers is no pushover, of course. He has one ring and four MVPs, while Brady only has three. And after he ripped the Patriots to pieces on Thursday, no one doubts the 40-year-old anymore.

“He was my favorite player growing up,” Maye told the Boston Herald on Thursday night. “I had a phone case with Aaron Rodgers on it for about five years. He had a press conference and I got here late, but I just wanted to let him know I’m a huge fan. I enjoyed watching him tonight, even though it was against us. Still, I’m always a fan at heart, first and foremost.”

Everyone can have a different GOAT. It’s subjective and fun to discuss/argue about. And in fact, the acronym has been used so much over the years that it’s losing its luster.

But in New England (and in reality) there can only be one GOAT, and that is Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. And it seems like there are several players in Maye’s mind who hold that title – depending on who he talks to.

In April, shortly after the Patriots selected Maye with the third overall pick, Brady was the cream of the crop.

“Tom Brady is the GOAT,” Maye said in a video conference with New England reporters. “I’m not going to be Tom Brady.”

In the end, Maye recognized greatness on Thursday night after meeting his favorite player. It was no insult to Brady, although it will be interesting to see if Maye faces the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, a game Brady is scheduled to commentate for Fox.

Now we wait to see if Maye gets more opportunities to be on the field. Head coach Jerod Mayo said that will be considered before New England’s game against the 49ers in Week 4 in San Francisco. Expect some GOAT-related questions when Maye takes the postgame podium in the near future.