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Patriots QB Drake Maye Apologizes to Steelers Rookie After Refusing Jersey Swap

The New England Patriots’ 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 was already difficult to swallow. But rookie quarterback Drake Maye added to the spotlight when he declined a postgame jersey swap at midfield.

The matchup at Gillette Stadium started with promise for New England, as Maye threw two touchdown passes to Hunter Henry. Yet five turnovers — three fumbles and two interceptions — proved costly, allowing Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to rally.

Amid the postgame handshakes, rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon approached Maye with a jersey swap request. Still visibly frustrated after committing critical mistakes, the Patriots quarterback shook his head and walked away, a moment captured on broadcast cameras.

 

The clip went viral, sparking debate among fans. Some defended Maye’s emotions in the wake of a crushing defeat, while others criticized the move as “disrespectful” toward a young player trying to establish himself in the league.

On Monday, Maye addressed the controversy. “I want to apologize for how I handled that moment. He asked right when I was most frustrated. He’s a talented young player, and I respect him,”

 

the rookie quarterback told reporters.

 

Maye continued: “Next time, I’ll be the one asking to swap jerseys. I can’t let frustration define me, and I’ll make sure to learn from this.”

 

For New England, the apology comes in the midst of continued struggles at home, where the team has now dropped 16 of its last 19 games. The loss pushed the Patriots to 1-2 on the season.

 

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh improved to 2-1 behind a strong defensive showing and Rodgers’ efficiency. For Maye, the moment served as a reminder that leadership is measured beyond stats — and sometimes in the gestures made after the final whistle.

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49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.