Getty

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the third quarter of Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass — When tight end Julian Hill arrived at Gillette Stadium, he was immediately impressed by New England Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye.

“What a quarterback. I’m not just saying that to say because I’m a Patriot,” Hill said on Thursday. “What a quarterback. Guy’s young, vocal. Guy’s a leader. He took me in the first couple days (here), and we went to the offensive room, going over fronts, you know what I mean? Hell of a quarterback, man.”

And having spent the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Hill saw Maye’s skills in 2024 and 2025. But now, instead of being on the opposite sideline, the tight end will be blocking for and potentially catching passes from Maye.

“He’s a competitor. Saw that on the field,” Hill added. “I’m just honored to get a chance to play with him and get a chance to earn his trust and be able to protect him, be able to know that he can lean on me at crunch time, you know what I mean? I’m excited to play with him.”

Plus, it also helps that the two share a special connection, both being from North Carolina.

“He’s from North Carolina. I’m from North Carolina,” Hill stated. “I already know what it was. Us Carolina cats, we’re cut from the same cloth.”

Julian Hill Details His Mindset Ahead of First Season With Patriots

GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 07: Julian Hill #89 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to the NFL 2025 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.”

Earlier this year, Eliot Wolf said that he sees a lot of potential with Hill, specifically, hinting that he could be used as more than just a blocking tight end. And that’s something that Hill is beyond excited for.

“Man, I want to win,” Hill said. “When you tell me to do something, that’s my focus and I’m going to do it. So if they say we need you to catch five more passes this year, block this guy, whatever it is, I’m going to do it.”

“Whatever they need from me, I’m going to do it and I’m going to work hard to do it – win, success, fail, lose – whatever it is that’s my focus,” he added.

Julian Hill’s Time In Miami

GettyMiami Dolphins’ tight end #89 Julian Hill (C) reacts as teammate Miami Dolphins’ running back #31 Ollie Gordon II scores a touchdown during the NFL match between Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on November 16, 2025. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Hill comes to the Patriots after playing in Miami last year, where he caught 15 passes for 140 yards. During the 2024 season, he recorded 12 receptions for 100 yards and added an additional six catches for 48 yards in 2023.

The tight end signed with the Dolphins after the 2023 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, going on to have an impressive showing in training camp and earning a spot on the 53-man roster. He then signed with the Patriots this March, on a three-year deal, filling a void on the roster that was left when New England allowed Austin Hooper to walk in free agency and sign with the Atlanta Falcons.