CHARLOTTE, N.C. β NFL quarterbacks and Charlotte area products Drake Maye and Sam Howell returned to the Queen City for a good cause, playing in the Beat An NFL QB (For Charity) pickleball game at the Tipsy Pickle.
The former teammates have experience working together: Sam Howell was North Carolina’s starting quarterback when Drake Maye was a freshman and his backup. They took their talents to the pickleball courts on Wednesday night as a doubles pair, where fans had the chance to compete against the former Tar Heels.
“I’m solid. Play a good bit Iβm solid. Samβs a good player so itβll be fun,” said New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.Β
“Iβm definitely not as good as Drake he plays a lot, I donβt play a whole lot,” said Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell.” “Hopefully weβll be a good team tonight. He’s a really good pickleball player so Iβm going to try and have his back and see what we can do.”
Proceeds from the event went to three different Charlotte area organizations: The Katie Blessing Foundation for pediatric behavioral health care, The Agnes Weisiger Breast Health Center at Novant, and the Go Jen Go Foundation which financially supports individuals and families battling breast cancer. Auction items to benefit the charities will include signed jerseys from Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Caitlin Clark.
“It’s awesome. Its always fun to do something together for a good cause,” said Howell. “Thatβs what weβre doing tonight. Weβre both back home in Charlotte for a couple weeks so itβll be fun to spend some time here together tonight.”
Both quarterbacks are spending some time back in Charlotte during their NFL offseasons and shared their appreciation for the support the Charlotte community has given them throughout their careers.
“I think for both of us who grew up in North Carolina played for North Carolina I think a big thing was to stay home it was kind of a selling point for me to go play for North Carolina,” said Maye. “Charlotte’s such a big part of my life where I grew up. Myers Park, the Myers Park boys are here tonight, I appreciate the support from everyone in Charlotte and I think thatβs what’s special about this place.”
Both Drake Maye and Sam Howell grew up in North Carolina before they went on to play for the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. Maye returns to Charlotte after his rookie season with the New England Patriots after being drafted third overall in 2024. Maye was born in Huntersville and attended Myers Park High School in Charlotte.
Sam Howell, Maye’s predecessor at North Carolina, finished his Tar Heel career setting new program records for touchdowns thrown and passing yards. Howell was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has spent time with both the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. Howell grew up in Union County and attended Sun Valley High School.
RELATED: NFL QBs Maye and Howell to play pickleball for charity in Charlotte
