UNC Shares Drake Maye Highlights After Patriots’ Belichick Ban Report

Recently, the University of North Carolina’s official Twitter account became an unexpected center of attention in the world of college football. This surge in interest stemmed from a report by 247Sports/CBS editor Ross Martin, highlighting that the UNC staff was instructed not to post content related to the New England Patriots.

Drake Maye’s NFL Performance

This decision prompted questions about the account’s silence during the Patriots’ 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills, a game in which former UNC quarterback Drake Maye showcased an impressive performance. Maye completed 22 of 30 passes, propelling his team to victory against the previously undefeated Bills. His successful three-season career at Chapel Hill led to him being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Social Media Practices in College Football

During the NFL season, it is common for college football programs to celebrate their alumni’s achievements through social media. Schools regularly post highlights and congratulatory messages regarding their former players. However, there is no universal approach to managing these communications. The lack of acknowledgment from UNC following Maye’s standout performance drew significant attention, especially considering head coach Bill Belichick’s history with the Patriots.

UNC’s Social Media Engagement

• Before the report, the UNC Football account had shared highlights of former players like Javonte Williams during his game with the Dallas Cowboys.
• Following the report, the account posted a video comparing one of Maye’s plays against the Bills to a past highlight from his college days.
• Additionally, they shared a compilation video celebrating former Tar Heels’ performances in the NFL over the weekend.

Context of the Scrutiny

The scrutiny arose amidst a challenging moment for the UNC football program, coming on the heels of a disappointing 38-10 loss to Clemson. This setback contrasted sharply with Maye’s notable success in the NFL.

Mack Brown’s Support for Maye

Former UNC head coach Mack Brown, who was let go after last season, expressed his pride in Maye’s achievements through social media. He acknowledged Maye’s capabilities and lauded his performance with the Patriots.

Belichick and the Patriots

Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, has a complicated relationship with the franchise, having won six Super Bowl titles. Recently, he made headlines by banning Patriots scouts from contacting players at UNC or accessing their facilities, stating, “It’s clear I’m not welcome there around their facility. And so they’re not welcome at ours.”

Despite the tension, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel publicly welcomed Belichick to the Patriots’ facility, highlighting the complexities of their internal dynamics.

The events surrounding the UNC Twitter account’s silence and Drake Maye’s performance have turned into a fascinating narrative in the college football landscape, showcasing the intersection of sports, social media, and personal relationships.