Beyond the Sidelines: The Inspiring Story of Ann Michael Maye
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where stadium lights and roaring crowds often drown out personal stories, Ann Michael Maye has emerged as a beacon of authenticity. While her husband, New England Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye, is busy leading one of the most exciting turnarounds in modern football, Ann Michael has captured the hearts of “Pats Nation” in a different way.
From her viral “Bakemas” TikTok series to her charitable soul, she isn’t just the “wife of a quarterback”—she’s a business-savvy graduate and a culinary influencer who has redefined what it means to be a modern NFL partner. As of 2026, with the Patriots securing a deep playoff run, the spotlight on the Mayes has never been brighter.
From Middle School Sweethearts to NFL Royalty
The love story of Ann Michael and Drake Maye reads like a classic coming-of-age movie. Long before the multi-million dollar contracts and Super Bowl buzz, they were just two kids in North Carolina.
The Meeting: They first met in seventh grade at William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina.
Childhood Bond: They began dating at just 12 years old in 2015.
The Proposal: After nearly a decade together, Drake popped the question in January 2025 on a picturesque beach in Mexico.
The Wedding: The couple tied the knot on June 21, 2025, at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in the North Carolina mountains.
Their transition from the “Lake Norman” kids to a power couple in Foxborough has been seamless, largely due to their shared history and grounded values.
Who is Ann Michael Maye? (Bio & Facts)
While she is often searched for as “Drake Maye’s wife,” Ann Michael (née Hudson) is an accomplished individual with a pedigree of her own.
| Feature | Details |
| Birth Name | Ann Michael Hudson |
| Birthday | August 11, 2003 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 22 Years Old |
| Hometown | Huntersville, North Carolina |
| Education | UNC Chapel Hill (Class of 2025) |
| Major | Business Administration (Finance) |
| Height | Approximately 5’6″ |
Ann Michael isn’t just a spectator; she comes from a heavy-hitting sports family. Her brother, Tad Hudson, was actually a quarterback teammate of Drake’s at UNC. This deep connection to the game has made her uniquely prepared for the pressures of professional sports.
The “Bakemas” Phenomenon: A Viral Star is Born
In December 2025, Ann Michael became an overnight digital sensation. She launched “Bakemas,” a 25-day TikTok challenge where she baked a new treat every day leading up to Christmas.
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a community event. Her Gameday M&M Cookies (in Patriots red and blue) went viral, and her Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars became the unofficial fuel for the Patriots’ offensive line. Head coach Mike Vrabel even jokingly critiqued her recipes, noting that her treats were “keeping the big guys happy.”
By January 2026, her success led to a TV deal. She now hosts “Beyond Bakemas” on NBC Sports Boston, where she bakes alongside local celebrities and athletes, proving she has the “it” factor beyond the social media screen.
More Than a “WAG”: Professional & Philanthropic Impact
Ann Michael’s background is rooted in hard work. At UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, she didn’t just attend classes; she excelled.
Career Drive: She completed prestigious internships at Deloitte Consulting and Bosch Power Tools.
Giving Back: In a move that stunned and inspired the community, Ann Michael and Drake donated all their wedding gifts to local homeless and children’s shelters in North Carolina. They provided shoes and Christmas supplies for kids who had nothing, choosing to keep the act quiet until local media broke the story.
The “Gisele” Comparison: Fans have frequently compared her poise and fashion to Gisele Bündchen (Tom Brady’s ex-wife). While flattered, Ann Michael has remained humble, stating in interviews that she is just “focused on being the best version of herself” for her family and the New England community.
Life in New England: Home and Family
Since moving to Massachusetts, the couple has fully embraced the local culture. They currently reside in Westwood, Massachusetts, a quiet suburb near Foxborough.
Local Support: They are often seen supporting local businesses, like the Westwood farm where they famously picked out a 10-foot Christmas tree for their home.
Children: As of early 2026, the couple does not have children. They are currently enjoying their first year of marriage with their frequent “guest stars” on TikTok—their close-knit family and teammates.
Faith: Both Ann Michael and Drake are vocal about their Christian faith, often citing it as the foundation of their relationship and their commitment to service.
Style and Influence: The “Most Valuable Fit”
Ann Michael has become a fashion icon for Patriots fans. Whether it’s her viral white fur coat worn during a snowy win against the Dolphins or her custom “Maye” denim jackets, she has mastered the art of “Gameday Chic.”
Her Instagram, often filled with comments from “Pats Nation” praising her support, serves as a digital scrapbook of the team’s journey. She isn’t afraid to show the “real” side of life, either—sharing her 2026 New Year’s resolution to finally read the Harry Potter series after admitting she’d never seen the movies.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Mayes?
The future looks incredibly bright for this young couple. As Drake continues his trajectory toward an NFL MVP award, Ann Michael is building a lifestyle brand that could rival any major influencer.
Summary of the Maye Legacy
| Category | Outlook |
| Family | Strong North Carolina roots transplanted to New England. |
| Career | Ann Michael’s TV show “Beyond Bakemas” is set for a second season. |
| Impact | Continued philanthropic work through the Drake Maye Foundation. |
| Prediction | Expect Ann Michael to become the face of lifestyle-sports crossover media. |
Ann Michael Maye is the embodiment of the modern partner—independent, talented, and fiercely supportive. She has proven that you can be your husband’s biggest fan while also being the star of your own show.
“I love doing life with you,” Drake wrote on Instagram. It’s clear that “doing life” for the Mayes involves a lot of heart, a lot of hard work, and—luckily for us—a lot of cookies.
What do you think of Ann Michael’s “Bakemas” recipes? Have you tried the Gameday M&M cookies yet? Let us know in the comments!
Sources:
People Magazine: “Patriots QB Drake Maye Donates Wedding Gifts to Shelters” (July 2025).
Sports Illustrated: “Ann Michael Maye Turns Heads with Gameday Fashion” (Dec 2025).
UNC Kenan-Flagler Alumni News: “Grad Spotlight: Ann Michael Hudson.”
NBC Sports Boston: “Beyond Bakemas Official Series Launch” (Jan 2026).
The Sporting News: “Drake and Ann Michael: A Timeline of Childhood Sweethearts.”
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