Drake Maye’s wife Ann Michael (Instagram)

NFL fans got a sweet side of football and it wasn’t on the scoreboard. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye melted hearts by taking a brief pause before the AFC Championship game to share a kiss with his wife, Ann Michael Maye, a moment that fans are already calling their “high school romance ritual.”

Drake Maye’s pregame ritual with wife Ann Michael is the wholesome content we needed

The moment went viral almost instantly. Drake, helmet in hand, leaned over to kiss Ann Michael just before stepping onto the field, showing that even in the middle of a high-stakes playoff game, love and support come first. Fans were quick to gush, some called it the cutest pregame ritual in football while others joked that Ann Michael might be the Patriots’ secret weapon this postseason.Ann Michael Maye is more than just Drake’s sideline cheerleader and wife. She’s a rising social media star known for her viral content, from creative TikToks to custom game-day outfits that never go unnoticed. Over the past season, her posts have drawn attention not just for fashion, but for the fun, relatable energy she brings to football culture. Fans say her personality is just as engaging as her husband’s athletic skills, making the couple an instant fan favorite both on and off the field.The sweet pregame moment makes even more sense when you know their history. Drake and Ann Michael have been together since middle school, dating through high school and college, and tying the knot in June 2025. Their story is like a real-life rom-com: childhood sweethearts who grew up together, supported each other’s dreams, and now share the big spotlight on the NFL stage.It’s the kind of wholesome content that reminds people sports aren’t just about stats, they’re about people, stories, and moments that make hearts melt.Even for those who don’t follow football closely, Drake and Ann Michael Maye’s pregame kiss has become the internet’s favorite reminder that love wins, even in the playoffs.