Patriots quarterback Drake Maye paid tribute to his teammate and friend after his rushing touchdown against the Dolphins on Sunday, sharing that he is a fan of silly celebrations that push the envelope a bit.
Just don’t expect him to try anything that could incur a penalty for New England.
Maye explained to WEEI’s Rich, Ken, and Ted that while he would have liked to dunk the ball over the goalpost after crossing the goal line in Week 8, he was happy to include tight end Hunter Henry in the moment instead. Henry left the game in the first half with a foot injury and was unable to return.
“I think it’s a flag if you dunk it. I loved watching guys dunk it growing up, dunking on the goalpost in the end zone, but I think it’s a flag,” Maye said. “So, I know Vrabes wouldn’t be too happy with me, with that. I honored Hunter—he’s got the jump spike, so I tried to honor Hunt a little bit.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel certainly expects smart play on the margins from his players, even when it comes to celebrating.
When asked if he had any favorite NFL celebrations from the past, Maye brought up some infamous—yet hilarious—moments, including then-Vikings receiver Randy Moss’s 2005 mock-mooning of Packers fans.
“I think the Randy Moss—you know which one I’m talking about—that’s got to be PG-13, maybe rated R, but that’s a funny one. It’s always a funny one, Antonio Brown jumping on the goalpost. Stef Diggs did it the other day. That’s a funny one.”
The NFL previously relaxed its celebration rules to allow group choreography, the use of the football as a prop, and celebrations on the ground. However, using the goalpost as a prop and taunting opponents remain strictly prohibited.
Maye finished the day completing 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to the rushing score.
The Patriots face the Packers on Sunday at 4:25 p.m., with Tom Brady scheduled to call the game from the broadcast booth. Legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski will also be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday. Maye noted that he was a huge Gronkowski fan growing up and even owned his jersey.
