The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has experienced a notable transformation in public perception since he was the first overall draft pick with the Cleveland Browns. Currently, in his third season with the Bucs, some consider him an MVP candidate. After the Buccaneers’ 38-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a video captured Mayfield responding to provocations from a Seahawks fan in the tunnel before the start of the game. Strong words were exchanged.
Mayfield sought out the fan after the victory, pointing at him while celebrating in the tunnel, despite the fan’s shouts. This type of trade might have been received differently in Cleveland, where the Browns drafted him in 2018. However, in Tampa Bay, with a 4-1 start to the 2025 season and leading the team to four thrilling last-minute victories, the situation is different. According to Elias Sports Bureau, these are the most last-minute comeback wins by any team in their first five games since the 1970 merger.You’re going to be very quiet at halftime. You’re a miserable p….
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield, who entered the NFL at 23, has found his best form at 30, playing the best football of his career. His 10 touchdowns place him among the best in the league, along with his yards and his touchdown-interception ratio. Against the Seahawks, he became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 376 yards (379) with four or fewer incomplete passes (four), according to NFL Research. Mayfield has expressed that the Bucs “let me be myself”, which he believes has propelled the team to two division titles in the post-Tom Brady era. When asked about MVP speculation, Mayfield responded that he tries “not to get too excited” and prefers to focus on the team’s achievements. Mayfield’s interactions with local media have influenced the reconstruction of his image. His weekly press conferences are often filled with funny moments. Outside of the field, Mayfield and his wife, Emily, have a daughter, Kova Jade. The family actively participates in the Tampa Bay community. Their foundation, the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, supports lesser-known non-profit organizations. Bucs wide receiver and former Oklahoma teammate Sterling Shepard has witnessed Mayfield’s transformation firsthand. “He’s not afraid to answer someone who tries to attack him, and we all love that about him… We love that energy and everyone feeds off of it.” Outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who joined the Bucs this offseason, has also felt the impact. “We have a lot of confidence in Bake. He’s done it time and time again this season,” Reddick said. “Definitely my favorite for the MVP candidate right now. He’s playing at an unprecedented level.”At the beginning of my career, I was “arrogant, immature.” Now it’s “bravery” and “he’s a dog.” Same thing, but different,” Mayfield said on Wednesday. “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
