Regardless of what’s to return in these chapters of Baker Mayfield being the beginning quarterback of the Bucs, it’s already evident that Mayfield may have a memorable affect for fairly some time in Tampa. Some gamers are likely to have an aura round them that others gravitate towards. It may be motivating, inspiring or another type of feeling.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA Right now
It’s simpler to inform it within the second, however the true signal of somebody who has a long-lasting legacy is when their presence remains to be felt even after they aren’t across the constructing as a lot anymore. He’ll have it with the Bucs, however Mayfield already has that particular connection again to his faculty enjoying days.
Baker Mayfield final performed soccer at Oklahoma eight years in the past. There are a number of Oklahoma gamers on the 2025 NFL Mix who clearly by no means had the possibility to play with him given the age hole, however his affect on present and former Sooner gamers in this system is simply nearly as prolific because it was when he was enjoying.
Definitely profitable a Heisman Trophy already places him in excessive regard, but it surely’s how Baker Mayfield has continued to indicate his ardour for Oklahoma at the same time as his NFL profession continues to develop that has really meant so much to many from the college.
Mayfield nonetheless tries to do as a lot as he can for the varsity. Whether or not it’s chatting with the staff when he can and even exhibiting up for the Pink River Rivalry in opposition to Texas when he was in his first 12 months with the Bucs, there’s all the time one thing occurring.
Oklahoma Prospects Focus on Baker Mayfield At The Mix
Oklahoma edge rusher Ethan Downs grew up desirous to play for Oklahoma, and it was a dream come true when he was in a position to. He recalled a time taking a go to to the varsity and attending to see Mayfield in particular person. Years later, Mayfield is the one speaking to him and his teammates getting them prepared for a season.
“I think I was a sophomore, a junior in high school getting to watch him going on visits, seeing him in action,” Downs stated. “It’s so completely different seeing somebody on TV and instantly going to see somebody in particular person, see their work, see their vitality and the aura they’ve round them, the affect they’ve on a staff and in a locker room.
“When I got there, of course he had moved on to the NFL already, but seeing him come back in the locker room, will speak to the team, everybody’s leaning forward, got eyes on him. Totally so much respect for him and what he brings to the game, the kind of person and player he is. He’s legitimate.”
Danny Stutsman, a linebacker for the Sooners, additionally has an fascinating perspective in relation to Mayfield. Stustman performed highschool in Winter Backyard, Florida, which is a suburb of Orlando. Rising up, he watched the Bucs due to the place they’re geographically. He went out of his option to point out Baker Mayfield due to the connection.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“They’ve had a lot of great teams in the past,” Stutsman stated of the Bucs. “Right now with Baker Mayfield, that’s an Oklahoma guy, it’s a really exciting time for Tampa Bay.”
He continued about Mayfield’s presence at their alma mater.
“You see a huge statue on campus, when a guy like that is around, he gets the attention from the crowd,” Stutsman stated. “He had a legendary career there, he’s a great man and a great person so when he’s around, a lot of the guys listen to what he has to say.”
Security Billy Bowman echoed an identical sentiment about how he captivates an viewers.
“There’s been times when Baker Mayfield has come back to the university, whether to speak before we played Texas or it was during the offseason and he came and spoke,” Bowman stated. “He has pictures everywhere in the facility, obviously has a Heisman statue outside of the stadium. Baker Mayfield is definitely a legend there.”
How A lot Offseason Enter Are Bucs Taking From Baker Mayfield?
The Bucs have seen firsthand the significance of chemistry and bonding with a staff chief. When Bucs basic supervisor Jason Licht spoke on the Mix this week, he known as the 2024 season for the Bucs a enjoyable season regardless of not reaching their final aim. This can be a tight-knit group that has that cohesion due to sure individuals reminiscent of their quarterback.
“I’ve never seen a more cohesive group,” Licht stated. “The chemistry in the locker room is off the charts, and I think that played a huge role in it. Baker [Mayfield] plays a huge role in that, along with a lot of other players.”
Bucs GM Jason Licht and QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by Cliff Welch P/R
A number of the enjoyable comes from having a profession 12 months. Baker Mayfield set private bests with 4,500 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns because the Bucs had a high three offense within the league.
Due to that success, Tampa Bay has no drawback getting Mayfield’s enter on particular gamers they is likely to be wanting so as to add to their staff. That led to Sterling Shepard coming to the Bucs final season, and it would affect who they draft this 12 months.
“When you have a leader like Baker [Mayfield], it’s easy to go to them and it’s easy to take their advice or let them give their input,” Licht stated. “You don’t necessarily go with everybody’s input but when you have a leader like that, he knows the locker room better than I do.”
“I talk with Baker often, just like Todd [Bowles] does, but I talk with Baker often. We have a very good, healthy relationship where we can speak our minds.”
Loads of gamers, even at completely different positions, would love the possibility to name Mayfield a teammate.
“I was a few years late there, but it would be awesome to play with him in Tampa,” Bowman stated. “Tampa is first and foremost a great spot – Florida and everything like that. But Baker Mayfield, [I’m] just hearing the leader aspects he has and the winning mentality.”
