Drake Maye of Patriots voices mild doubt about 1969 moon landing

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye offered a glimpse into his off-field interests on Tuesday, acknowledging in a Boston radio interview that he is not entirely convinced the 1969 moon landing happened exactly as history books describe. The discussion unfolded during an "Ask Maye Anything" segment on WEEI, when a fan asked him which outlandish conspiracy theory he might secretly buy into.

Maye initially hesitated, joking about wanting to avoid controversy, before settling on the Apollo 11 mission as the example that gives him pause. He indicated that he understands the political and cultural stakes of the space race era, but suggested he has lingering doubts about whether the United States truly put astronauts on the lunar surface or whether everything the public saw was authentic. Summing up his stance, the young quarterback said he is "not 100% sure" about the moon landing.

College class helped shape Maye’s curiosity

The former North Carolina standout also revealed that his curiosity about fringe ideas predates his NFL career. While at UNC, Maye enrolled in a class dedicated to conspiracy narratives, covering topics such as alleged hidden histories, questions about whether infamous figures actually died when reported, and modern internet-fueled claims that challenge everyday assumptions.

Maye explained that the course’s syllabus ranged from long-running rumors about survival of historical leaders to more recent social-media phenomena, including the notion that some birds might be tools for surveillance rather than living creatures. He framed these examples as academic case studies rather than personal beliefs, presenting himself more as an intrigued observer of how such stories spread than as a committed adherent.

Conspiracy talk a familiar thread around the NFL

Maye’s remarks fit into a larger pattern across the league, where conspiracy theories frequently surface in locker-room debates and off-day conversations. Over the years, individual players have questioned everything from dinosaurs to major scientific milestones, reflecting the broader online culture that many of them grew up consuming.

In recent seasons, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has become one of the most prominent NFL figures associated with alternative narratives, with teammates and peers citing him as an influence. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, for instance, has spoken publicly about being fascinated by ideas involving hidden civilizations in remote regions of Earth and even inside the planet itself. Against that backdrop, Maye’s cautious skepticism about the moon landing is another example of how such discussions have moved from internet forums into mainstream sports conversations.

There is no indication that Maye’s comments will affect his standing with the Patriots, and the team has not publicly addressed the interview. For now, his appearance on Boston radio serves mainly as a reminder that, like many modern athletes, he brings a broad range of interests and questions with him to the NFL stage — including some that extend all the way from Foxborough to the moon.