L.L. Bean puts Patriots QB Drake Maye on its team
Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye and lifestyle influencer Ann Michael Maye join forces with L.L. Bean in a new marketing partnership
North Carolina native and former New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, along with his wife, Instagram and TikTok star Ann Michael Maye, have entered a multi‑year partnership with the Freeport, Maine, retailer L.L. Bean. The deal was announced Wednesday, with the couple dubbed the company’s “newest Team Members.” L.L. Bean will feature the Mayes in promotional campaigns that highlight the brand’s apparel and outdoor lifestyle products.
The announcement came via a press release from L.L. Bean and a series of posts on the company’s Instagram account. In a video shared by the retailer, Maye sits in a shop, surrounded by flannel shirts and outerwear, and remarks, “Being a quarterback is nice and all, but you know what I really love? Flannel.” The clip, which also includes the couple’s new apparel, was followed by a post from Ann Michael Maye that reflected on the couple’s love of the outdoors.
“I’ve spent so much time outdoors with family and friends, whether on the beach, the football field, traveling or hanging out,” she said in the release. “As we start this chapter in New England, we’re excited to make new memories here and have L.L. Bean be a part of them.”
L.L. Bean’s spokesperson explained that the partnership is designed to “celebrate their new chapter in New England through storytelling centered on the outdoor moments, traditions and memories that make the region feel like home.” The retailer said it hopes to reach fans of both the Patriots and of the Mayes’ large social‑media following—over half a million followers on Instagram and more than six hundred thousand on TikTok.
The collaboration will involve the Mayes marketing L.L. Bean’s clothing and merchandise across social media, as well as participating in store events and possibly travel content that showcases the brand’s products in real‑world settings. The partnership is described as multi‑year, though specific details such as compensation and duration have not been disclosed.
Maye’s transition from the football field to the marketing floor is a familiar path for many former athletes. His experience as a high‑profile quarterback provides a built‑in audience of Patriots fans, while Ann Michael Maye’s influence in lifestyle and outdoor content adds a different, younger demographic. Together they embody a blend of sports, fashion, and the outdoor culture that L.L. Bean is known for.
L.L. Bean, headquartered in Freeport, has long promoted a “classic American outdoors” aesthetic. The brand’s decision to partner with the Mayes coincides with a broader industry trend toward influencer marketing, especially in the apparel and lifestyle sectors. By aligning with personalities who already enjoy the type of rugged, comfortable clothing the company sells, L.L. Bean hopes to reinforce its brand identity while expanding its reach into new markets.
As the partnership moves forward, fans of the Patriots and followers of Ann Michael Maye can expect to see a mix of behind‑the‑scenes footage, product showcases, and lifestyle storytelling that celebrates the New England outdoors. Whether it translates into a boost in sales or simply strengthens L.L. Bean’s presence among the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts remains to be seen, but the collaboration signals a clear strategy: merge sports fame, influencer reach, and an authentic love of the outdoors.
