Baker Mayfield has experienced a remarkable revival in his professional football career since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Signing a one-year, $4 million contract in 2023, Mayfield has thrown for over 4,000 yards and guided the Buccaneers to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, showcasing a level of performance that has surprised many.
This transformation includes Mayfield completing 71.4% of his passes last season, reaching a personal best of 4,500 yards and recording 41 touchdowns. These achievements have placed him among the top quarterbacks in the league, marking a striking turnaround from earlier years when his career trajectory seemed uncertain.
A Challenging Journey Through Multiple Teams
Mayfield’s path to this resurgence was far from straightforward. Originally a walk-on at Texas Tech and the top overall pick from Oklahoma, he demonstrated promising talent during his four-year tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Notably, he ended an 18-year playoff drought for the Browns in 2020. However, injuries during the 2021 season limited his impact, prompting Cleveland to explore other quarterback options.
Following his time with the Browns, Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers and then the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, moves that reflected unstable footing in his professional career. These shifts left questions about his future until he found a new opportunity with Tampa Bay.
Acceptance and Authenticity: Keys to Mayfield’s Success in Tampa Bay
What distinguishes Mayfield’s resurgence with the Buccaneers is not only improved on-field performance but also a profound sense of acceptance from the organization. He credits the Tampa Bay franchise for embracing his true personality rather than expecting him to conform to a traditional quarterback mold.
In an interview on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Mayfield explained,
“This isn’t to sh– on the other teams and franchises, but when you step in and your GM and your head coach say, ‘Hey, just be you,’ after I’ve been told at every stop and everywhere I go, ‘You need to tone it down a little bit, you need to be a franchise quarterback.’ It’s just not who I am.”
—Baker Mayfield, quarterback
He elaborated on his approach to the game and his personality:
“I wear my emotions on my sleeves. … I’m gonna talk sh–, I’m going to do whatever, but when it’s time to turn the lights on and go do something, I’m going to do it.”
—Baker Mayfield, quarterback
“So when I stepped into the building they all told me to just be myself. It’s been, not to say comfortable, but it’s felt like home since the beginning. As a quarterback that’s been through a little bit of a journey, you can’t ask for anything else.” —Baker Mayfield, quarterback
Overcoming Past Criticism About Personality and Leadership
Mayfield’s challenges have extended beyond physical setbacks to dealing with public perception about his character. Since his college days, he faced scrutiny stemming partly from a 2017 arrest involving public intoxication and evading the police. Additionally, some analysts and fans questioned whether his style of leadership matched established examples like Peyton Manning or Drew Brees.
Rather than embodying the typical calm, reserved leader, Mayfield has often displayed a brash confidence that some found off-putting. However, with the Buccaneers, these personality traits seem to have been embraced rather than criticized, allowing him to play with renewed confidence and stability.
By settling in with Tampa Bay, Mayfield has found a fit where his natural style as a quarterback and person is respected, contributing to a significant on-field improvement and a more positive team dynamic. His experience highlights how organizational culture and acceptance can deeply influence a player’s ability to succeed.