Baker Mayfield has undergone a notable transformation in his image, going from being the first draft pick with the Cleveland Browns to positioning himself as a possible MVP candidate in his third year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the Buccaneers’ 38-35 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, a video went viral where Mayfield is seen responding to provocations from a Seahawks fan before the start of the game. The exchange included gestures and strong words.
Mayfield also sought out the fan after the victory, pointing him out while celebrating his triumph. This type of reaction, which might have been received differently in Cleveland, is now perceived differently with the Bucs, who have had a 4-1 start to the season in 2025, including four dramatic last-minute victories. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it’s the most of these types of wins in the first five games of any team since the 1970 merger.You’re going to be very quiet at halftime.
Baker Mayfield
At 30 years old, Mayfield is playing at the best level of his career, with 10 touchdowns (third in the league) and 1,283 passing yards (fourth). Against the Seahawks, he became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 376 yards with four or fewer incomplete passes. Mayfield has expressed that the Buccaneers “let him be himself”, which has propelled the team to two divisional titles after the Tom Brady era. When asked about the possibilities of being MVP, Mayfield prefers not to “go up or down” and focuses on the team’s achievements. Achieving a 4-1 record or better is something that has only happened six times in the franchise’s history and twice in the last 20 years.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
Mayfield’s interactions with the local media have helped to re-establish his identity. His weekly press conferences offer moments of humor and camaraderie. Outside of the field, Mayfield and his wife, Emily, have a daughter. Their foundation, the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, supports lesser-known non-profit organizations. His playing style and personality have connected with the fans, and more and more fans from across the league are supporting his comeback story.Anything that is said is a testament to the offense and the group we have. Awards and individual recognition are never obtained on one’s own. This is the ultimate team sport for a reason, so I always try to remind myself and realize that I can’t do it without the teammates who are by my side.
Baker Mayfield
Sterling Shepard, Buccaneers wide receiver and former Oklahoma teammate, has witnessed Mayfield’s transformation, including his interactions on the field. “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.” Haason Reddick, outside linebacker who joined the Bucs this offseason, has also felt the impact on the other side of the ball. “We have nothing but confidence in Bake. He’s done it again and again this season. Definitely my favorite for the MVP candidate as of now. He’s playing at an unprecedented level.”Essentially, definitely the same, but matured in different ways. I don’t worry about the little things that don’t matter. Now, if you put it in the context of a competitive football game, in that environment, that will never change.
Baker Mayfield
