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Former Patriots WR Admits Regret After Leaving New England: “Wish I Could’ve Played With That Kid One Season”

November 16, 2025

After witnessing the explosive rise of Drake Maye with the New England Patriots, the former wide receiver who amassed nearly 4,000 receiving yards in his NFL career could not hide his regret—and blurted out: “Wish I could’ve played with that kid one season.”

The player had requested a contract release from the Patriots on August 27, 2025, just one day after being named to the official 53-man roster. According to sources, the team granted the request after a trade with the Minnesota Vikings fell through. Prior to that, New England had proposed a pay cut, which he refused. He then returned to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, where he began his NFL career.
Kendrick Bourne returns to 49ers amid injury concerns with Kittle, Jennings  | AP News

During his time in a Patriots uniform from 2021 to 2025, Kendrick Bourne recorded approximately 292 receptions, accumulated 3,714 yards, and scored 22 touchdowns. Those numbers only deepen his sorrow as he watches Maye progress at an extraordinary pace. Bourne, according to several sources, has publicly backed Maye for the MVP award, showing fierce belief in the young quarterback’s talent.

On one of Maye’s social media posts, Bourne left a simple yet deeply emotional comment: “MVP.” It was not just praise—it was a powerful affirmation. Bourne believes Maye deserves the NFL’s highest individual honor. Watching Maye lead the team with steady and explosive performances, the feeling of regret becomes even clearer.
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“If I could do it over, I wish I had stayed in New England—just one season to play alongside him. Seeing Drake Maye shine in every game makes me regret every moment I left too soon. Just one season, I wanted to enjoy every play with him,” Bourne shared in a conversation filled with wistful longing. His words seem to touch the hearts of Patriots fans: “We miss Bourne—and hope one day to see them together on the field again.”

The former WR’s longing is not merely personal regret; it is also proof of the immense potential Maye is displaying. With Bourne watching from afar yet still following closely, the story between the Patriots’ past and present carries deep emotion—a chapter of reflection on what was and hope for the team’s future.

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Double Joy, Quarterback Drake Maye Prepares to Welcome His First Child – And the Name He Plans to Give the Baby Has Touched All of New England 👇
Foxborough – November 20, 2025 Double joy is spreading throughout New England as, according to reliable sources, the young quarterback Drake Maye has just received news that his wife, Ann Michael Maye, is pregnant with their first child right before the matchup with the Bengals. That timing made the Patriots locker room light up a beat brighter, because it arrived exactly when Maye is maturing strongly and becoming the new hope at Foxborough. Maye and Ann Michael's love story began during their University of North Carolina days, where they met at a sports event and quickly became each other's emotional support through every season. The two stayed bonded throughout the time Maye entered the NFL, facing the enormous pressures of early life. From simple love, they progressed to a warm wedding in early 2025, marking a brilliant new chapter. The joy becomes even more special as the couple is said to have thought about the baby's name, and this choice has stirred up Patriots Nation. According to close sources, if it's a boy, Maye wants to name it related to “Fox,” implying Foxborough, the first home of his NFL career. And if it's a girl, Ann Michael really likes the name “Patria,” carrying the meaning of loyalty and connection. Both names are making fans excited because they clearly bear the Patriots imprint. In the most recent press conference, Drake Maye couldn't hide his emotions when mentioning the first child about to be born. A moment that made all the reporters pause in silence for a few seconds. “I’ve dreamed about this day for a long time. And it’s truly special that it comes right when I’m fighting for this jersey. The Patriots gave me the first chance in life, and I want my child’s name to carry a part of this city’s spirit. The spirit that changed my life.” That sharing immediately spread throughout Patriots Nation. As the Patriots step into the week matchup with the Bengals, the story about the Maye family becomes a huge source of energy for the entire team. New England fans are not only following every play of Maye’s, but also following a new, deeply meaningful journey unfolding in his life. And whether the baby will be a boy or a girl, the name that Drake and Ann Michael choose will surely carry a part of the Patriots soul, making Foxborough feel extended by one more generation of love.