Drake Maye has done something Tom Brady never could - win a playoff match on the road in Denver.
The second-year quarterback guided the New England Patriots to a hard-fought 10-7 triumph over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, booking their spot in Super Bowl 60.
It's a remarkable achievement when you consider Brady faced the Broncos three times in Denver during the postseason and came up short each time, falling to Jake Plummer and Peyton Manning in those contests.
The Patriots will now take on either the Seahawks or Rams, depending on who emerges victorious from the NFC Championship Game.
Drake Maye could be the man to lead the Patriots to glory when they face the Seahawks next month
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Maye was absolutely buzzing after the final whistle, praising his teammates for their gritty performance in tough conditions.
"What an atmosphere out here," Maye said. "Battled the elements. Love this team. How about the defense? I love each and every one of them, man. Pats are back, baby."
The young quarterback couldn't stop talking about his defensive unit, who've been brilliant throughout the postseason.
"Defense has been stepping up all playoffs," Maye added.
"We're gonna play better. I'm just proud of this team… It took everybody."
Drake Maye was full of praise for his Patriots teammates after the win over the Broncos
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He also had warm words for head coach Mike Vrabel, describing him as someone who pushes hard but genuinely cares about his players.
"From Day 1, he's been the same guy," Maye said of Vrabel.
"Coaches hard, but at the same time cares about us a lot. We love Coach, love playing for him. We got some more work to do."
The victory puts Maye in rather exclusive company in the history books.
At just 23 years old, he's the first quarterback to secure a road win in a conference championship game before turning 24 since Ben Roethlisberger managed it with the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2005.
Even more impressively, Maye now stands alongside Brady as the only Patriots quarterbacks to reach a Super Bowl within their opening two NFL seasons.
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Tom Brady, widely regarded as arguably the greatest NFL player of all time, won seven Super Bowls - six being with the Patriots
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New England claimed the AFC East title this season and entered the playoffs as the second seed, with Maye putting together a stunning campaign.
The North Carolina product threw for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns against just eight interceptions—numbers that have earned him a spot among the finalists for the NFL MVP award.
The Patriots will face the Seahawks in the Super Bowl on February 8
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On Sunday, Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards, though he did take five sacks. His crucial rushing touchdown following a Broncos turnover proved to be the difference-maker in what was a proper defensive battle.
There's clearly more work ahead, but what a start.