Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, voiced sharp criticism of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns during a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast. Known for his competitive nature, Mayfield targeted these teams with a blunt comment, highlighting his ongoing animosity toward certain Texas-based teams and fans.
Roots in Texas, Loyalty to Oklahoma Shape Mayfield’s Views
Although Mayfield was born in Austin, Texas, he grew up rooting for Oklahoma and later made a name for himself as a standout player with the Oklahoma Sooners, winning the Heisman Trophy during his college career. His strong connection to Oklahoma has clearly influenced his stance, leaving him particularly critical of his home state’s teams, especially the Longhorns.
Podcast Discussion Reveals Rivalries and Personal Opinions
On the podcast, Mayfield joined Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso, a former Texas A&M player, which set the stage for candid talk about sports rivalries. When asked about the teams they dislike most, Caruso mentioned Texas fans right away, and Mayfield added another layer by calling both Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fans “a bunch of losers.”
Mayfield said,
“Texas fans and Cowboys fans are very similar.”
—Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Recent On-Field Experience May Fuel Mayfield’s Criticism
Mayfield’s disdain for Dallas was sharpened by a 2024 NFL regular-season game in which the Buccaneers narrowly lost to the Cowboys 26–24, led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush. This somewhat unexpected defeat may have left a lasting impression on Mayfield, though Tampa Bay’s current regular-season schedule does not feature another matchup against Dallas. The teams could potentially face each other in the NFC playoffs if coach Brian Schottenheimer develops a strong enough Buccaneers roster.
Implications for Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Fans
Mayfield’s remarks add fuel to an already intense rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas, while also highlighting his personal competitiveness in the NFL. As the Buccaneers pursue a more successful campaign this season, these comments could intensify anticipation for potential playoff encounters and fan engagement. His criticism also underscores the emotional ties athletes often carry from college into their professional careers, especially when facing teams with historical rivalries or recent setbacks.