Hundreds of fans gathered Tuesday at MB Spirits in Chelsea for an event featuring New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who drew a large crowd eager to meet the young athlete following his notable performance leading the team to the Super Bowl earlier this year.
The event, held at the newly opened liquor store adjacent to the Market Basket location, saw fans lining up hours in advance to secure a spot. Jonathan Andrews, an administrative coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital, arrived as early as 4 a.m., more than a dozen hours before the meet-and-greet began, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding Maye’s appearance. Andrews described the opportunity as a “once in a lifetime” moment and chose to take the day off work to attend.
The line extended around the building and continued to grow throughout the afternoon. Attendees sported No. 10 jerseys and other Patriots gear, with some showcasing custom apparel, including a split jersey representing both the Patriots and the University of North Carolina, Maye’s alma mater. Market Basket employee Guillermo, a longtime Patriots fan, opted to wear the company’s uniform jacket but kept a Patriots jersey close at hand.
The session officially started at 5 p.m., with the first 200 fans receiving autographed posters. Many sought to extend their time with Maye by inviting him to personal events, asking questions about his hobbies—including his skill in the video game Rocket League—and presenting small gifts. Others appeared delighted simply by the brief interaction, with one fan expressing excitement at being personally asked about his day.
The crowd also included two tourists from Montreal, who attended not as Patriots fans but because Maye is on their fantasy football team, as well as local college students marking a birthday celebration. Maye himself appeared engaged and jovial, responding with humor to fans and acknowledging the early arrival of some attendees.
Maye’s presence at the event was connected to Athletic Brewing, a Connecticut-based producer of non-alcoholic beer in which he holds equity. He became an athlete-owner in the company alongside Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott last September. In a statement, Maye cited the company’s growth and commitment to its vision as reasons for his involvement, emphasizing the chance to develop his business acumen through the partnership.
Earlier this year, Maye shared in an interview that he seldom consumes alcohol, estimating fewer than ten drinking occasions annually, and expressing a preference for non-alcoholic options unless on vacation.
After spending approximately an hour and 15 minutes meeting fans, Maye departed. Those unable to meet him expressed some disappointment but were unanimous in their willingness to wait, with one attendee commenting that they would not stand in line for anyone else.