In a moment that sent shockwaves through the NFL world, legendary quarterback Tom Brady, broadcasting for FOX Sports, delivered one of the most stunning commentaries in recent memory during the New England Patriots’ commanding 42-10 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 28, 2025.

Just hours after the Patriots dismantled their divisional rivals, Brady – the seven-time Super Bowl champion who once ruled the AFC East – reflected on the performance of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. With evident emotion, Brady proclaimed that Maye had “just beat me right in the game where I used to be king,” referring to MetLife Stadium, a venue where Brady secured countless victories during his iconic tenure with the Patriots. He went further, boldly stating that Maye is now “the best quarterback in the NFL.”

The declaration left the broadcast booth and viewers across America in disbelief. MetLife Stadium fell silent for several seconds as Brady’s words echoed through the speakers, before erupting into cheers from thousands of traveling Patriots fans chanting “MVP! MVP!” for the young star.

Maye’s performance fully justified the hype. In just over two-and-a-half quarters before being pulled with the game well in hand, the 23-year-old completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and a career-high five touchdowns – tossing scores to five different receivers, a feat even Brady never accomplished in a single game with New England. His 90.5% completion rate marked the second-highest in Patriots history for a game with at least 20 attempts, and he posted a near-perfect 157.0 passer rating.

This historic outing made Maye the first quarterback in NFL history to complete over 90% of his passes while throwing for at least 250 yards and five touchdowns. He also surpassed 4,000 passing yards for the season, joining Brady and Drew Bledsoe as the only Patriots QBs to reach that milestone. The Patriots scored touchdowns on their first six drives, finishing with a perfect 8-0 road record – a rarity achieved only twice before in franchise history, both during Brady’s era.

The win clinched the AFC East title for New England, their first since 2019, and positioned them strongly for a top playoff seed. Maye, who has led the league in passer rating much of the season, further solidified his case as a leading MVP contender with this masterful display against a struggling Jets defense.

Post-game, Maye remained humble, smiling modestly before delivering a concise 27-word statement that reportedly moved Brady deeply: “I’m just grateful to play for this organization, learn from legends like Tom, and lead this team – the best is yet to come.”

Brady’s endorsement carries immense weight, signaling a symbolic passing of the torch. As the Patriots surge toward the playoffs under coach Mike Vrabel, Maye’s rise has reignited excitement in New England, proving that the franchise’s quarterback excellence endures beyond the Brady era.