TAMPA, Fla. – Baker Mayfield has experienced a remarkable transformation in perception, from being the first overall draft pick with the Cleveland Browns to becoming a potential MVP candidate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the Bucs’ 38-35 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, a video emerged of Mayfield responding to the provocations of a Seahawks fan in the tunnel before the start of the game. There were gestures and strong words.
Mayfield sought out the fan after the victory, pointing at him while celebrating in the tunnel, despite the fan’s shouts. In Cleveland, where the Browns drafted him in 2018, this attitude might have been received differently. However, as a member of the Bucs, with a 4-1 start to the 2025 season, and leading his team to four thrilling last-minute victories, the perception is different. According to Elias Sports, this represents the most such wins in the first five games of any team since the 1970 merger.You’re going to be very quiet at halftime.
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield, who entered the NFL at 23, has found his place after a journey through four teams, and now, at 30, is playing the best football of his career. He has expressed that the Bucs “let me be myself”, which has contributed to two division titles in the post-Tom Brady era. Outside of the field, Mayfield and his wife, Emily, have a daughter, Kova Jade, and are very involved in the Tampa Bay community through their foundation, Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, which supports lesser-known non-profit organizations. His hard-working quarterback playing style has resonated with the fans and with many followers throughout the league.At the beginning of my career I was “arrogant, immature”. Now it’s “bravery” and “he’s a dog”. The same shit, but different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative, but you just have to be yourself, and I’ve always been that way.
Baker Mayfield
Sterling Shepard, Buccaneers wide receiver and former teammate of Mayfield at the University of Oklahoma, has witnessed his transformation and verbal interactions.Essentially, I’m definitely the same, but I’ve matured in different ways. I don’t worry about the small things that don’t matter. But in a competitive football game, in that environment, that will never change.
Baker Mayfield
Haason Reddick, outside linebacker who joined the Bucs this offseason, has felt that impact from the other side of the ball.He’s not afraid to answer someone who attacks him and we all love that about him… We love that energy and everyone feeds off of him.
Sterling Shepard
We have full confidence in Bake. He’s done it time and time again this season. Definitely my favorite for the MVP candidate at the moment. He’s playing at an unprecedented level.
Haason Reddick
