A.J. Brown, Christian Gonzalez contract hot topics at Drake Maye charity event

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald on Jun 1, 2026

Published in Football

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WORCESTER — Monday could be the day A.J. Brown finally joins the Patriots, but Sunday was MayeDay.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye held his first celebrity softball game at Polar Park, joined by an impressive number of his teammates in a sold-out event to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital.

“I think it’s awesome,” Maye said of the turnout. “Thanks to the WooSox, and Worcester for having us out. And thanks to the players. It’s just for the kids, for Boston Children’s.”

The “Sox,” led by cornerback Christian Gonzalez, beat Maye’s Pats 17-16 in the game.

Brown wasn’t in Worcester, but Gonzalez’s presence was notable. The Pro Bowl cornerback was in attendance to support Maye despite skipping the first round of organized team activities last week.

Left tackle Will Campbell, tight end Hunter Henry, wide receivers DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism and Romeo Doubs, punter Bryce Baringer, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, linebacker Robert Spillane, center Jared Wilson, quarterback Tommy DeVito, safety Brenden Schooler, cornerback Marcus Jones, guard Mike Onwenu and fullback Jack Westover also played in Maye’s game. Head coach Mike Vrabel was present as the “Pats” manager.

Maye’s wife, Ann Michael, and brothers Beau, Cole and Luke, former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, former Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, San Jose Sharks center Will Smith, Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers, the Boston Fleet’s Megan Keller and Jill Saulnier and comedian Matt Rife also participated in Sunday’s game.

Ann Michael, who’s made a name for herself on social media as a baker, has also appreciated the support from the New England community.

“It’s all been such a whirlwind. I feel like everything happened so, so fast. I mean, I was literally in college two years ago today, probably,” Ann Michael Maye said. “So it’s so crazy, but so cool to see all the people, and everyone’s just been so great, so kind to us. We’ve grown to love this place in a short amount of time. So it’s awesome to see something like this, such a great turnout. How our idea on a whim kind of turned into something so cool. It’s awesome.”

The Maye Family Foundation donated an additional $1,000 for every ball hit over the fence at Sunday’s home run derby. Smith was crowned the derby winner with 14 home runs, though Drake Maye actually hit more dingers with 15. Maye hit six home runs in the first round and nine in the finals. Smith hit five home runs in the first round and matched Maye with nine in the second round.

In total, Drake Maye, Cole Maye, Campbell, Edelman, Gonzalez, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, Hollins, Smith and Chara hit 54 home runs for an additional $54,000 raised.

There were an additional 16 home runs hit during the actual game, raising the donation total to $94,000. Drake and Ann Michael Maye presented an $80,000 check to Boston Children’s Hospital child life and oncology during the game.

Maye and his teammates also discussed their upcoming football season

Gonzalez didn’t speak to reporters, but his positionmate, Jones, did.

“He means a lot,” Jones said of Gonzalez. “When it comes down to it, we support him, and also the organization. At the end of the day, that’s their thing, and we’re ready when it comes down to him. I know he’s always one of those guys to where no matter where he’s at, he’s always working, and that’s a day-by-day thing. I’ve been in a situation of learning how contract negotiation stuff goes about. They want what’s best for them, and he wants what’s best for him as well. So we’re not rushing it when it comes down to it, and at the end of the day, we all know the value that he comes when it comes down to our team.”

Stevenson and Douglas were asked about the value that Brown could add to the organization.

The Eagles can save significant cap space by trading Brown after June 1. The Patriots are the most likely suitor for Brown’s services via trade.

“If he comes, that’d be amazing,” Douglas said “Good guy. follow him on Instagram, see what he does. And he’s a ball player too.”

Stevenson added: “I think it’ll do a lot. He’s a great player, obviously. One of the better receivers in the league. So, you know that’s above what we do, so I just leave it up to the front office, but I know they’re gonna get people here that could help us win.”

The Patriots and Eagles have had months to negotiate a deal. We’ll see how quickly it comes to fruition now that the Eagles are more willing to deal their star receiver.