Quarterback Drake Maye is new to New England, but saw a familiar face from his time at the University of North Carolina at Patriots training camp last week.
"He's not only a North Carolina guy, but a good friend," the quarterback said of Camden Bailey, his former student equipment manager for the Tar Heels football team.
"I think the best part about football is all the people you meet and get to know around you. Especially someone with a story like Camden."
Bailey was raised in Jackson, New Hampshire and was active in multiple sports, including football.
That didn't change after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer in his knee, at just 14 years old. Despite having a prosthetic left leg, Bailey continued playing both football and tennis through high school. When it came to college, he wanted to remain close to the game and found a role for himself with UNC Football.
As Maye puts it, Bailey is a "real football guy."
"He has such a great story," Maye said of Bailey. "Despite his situation, he was still out there working hard as our equipment manager. Just a football dude. He was trying to be one of us and that's the best thing about it; he fit right in. He's a great dude, and the fact that he happens to be a Patriots fan -- it's really cool how it all worked out."
Bailey, a lifelong Patriots fan had met a few of his favorite players in the past, and even got to play catch with Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium thanks to help from the New Hampshire Make-A-Wish Foundation a few years back.
Now, Bailey can add his old college pal to the list of New England pro athletes he's met.
He was able to attend training camp practice and catch up with Maye after workouts were finished. After posing for a few pictures together and saying their goodbyes, Maye walked away from the encounter with a beaming smile.
"It means the world," Maye said.
"More than us putting a smile on his face, he puts a smile on ours. Knowing what he's going through, and living each day with a smile and a great attitude, it's inspiring to see."
