"Showing up to work each day and seeing that wall right in front of the door, you have no choice but to look at it and see all the names on it, see all the greats that have been through here," Maye told newyorkjets.com. "So just being part of that, something that's going to be there forever, that's definitely an honor.
"It's just about going out there and playing the game, playing your assignments, getting to the ball, making plays when it's time," he said. "I'm out there showing the ability that I have, but it's not just me out there, it's 10 other guys. We all have a common goal and that's to make plays and win games, and when we step out on the field, that's what we try to do. So hats off to them."
Maye watched fellow 2017 NFL Draft pick and safety, Jamal Adams, win the award in 2018 and 2019, and now gets to join him on the team wall outside the Jets' training facility that has all the team MVPs listed on it.
Maye becomes the fourth safety to be given the honor, joining Dainard Paulson (1964), Brian Washington (1992) and Adams (18-19). Maye is also the 10th defender in the last 12 years to win the award.
Head coach Adam Gase said Thursday that Maye “checked every box you can possibly check" to become the team's MVP.
Here are a few of the other awards the Jets handed out:
Frank Gore — Dennis Byrd/Most Inspirational Player
Ryan Griffin — Ed Block Courage/Most Courageous Player
Matthias Farley — Marty Lyons/Community Service
Folorunso Fatukasi — Kyle Clifton/"Good Guy"
Denzel Mims — Bill Hampton/"Rookie Who Acts Like a Pro"
