During pregame warmups prior to the matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had a memorable reaction to Stefon Diggs performing the iconic Superman celebration made famous by former NFL quarterback Cam Newton. As captured in a video by the NFL’s social media team, Maye was seen shaking his head disapprovingly, a reaction that quickly drew attention online before the video was removed from the NFL’s X account.
Diggs, known for his playful antics on the field, appeared to throw some shade at Maye, who had been at the center of a recent controversy involving Newton. Just a week prior, Newton labeled the Patriots as “fool’s gold” on ESPN’s First Take, sparking a heated exchange between him and Maye. When Maye downplayed Newton’s remark, claiming he was unaware of which television show he was on, it prompted Stephen A. Smith to accuse him of being dishonest. Newton, for his part, reaffirmed his stance on the Patriots, suggesting that no one would prefer Maye over seasoned quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.
The playful interaction between Diggs and Maye highlights the ongoing drama surrounding the Patriots, as well as the tensions building from the recent comments made by Newton. This moment underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and how players often use humor and celebrations to make statements on and off the field. As the season unfolds, Maye’s ability to navigate this pressure will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, especially given the spotlight on the Patriots’ performance and their quest for legitimacy in a competitive AFC landscape.