Both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield faced uncertain futures in the NFL after being moved between multiple teams, but they have recently found stability and success in their careers. While Darnold spent time with the Carolina Panthers before landing with the Seattle Seahawks, Mayfield eventually established himself with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking a significant turnaround for both athletes.
As Super Bowl LX approached at Levi’s Stadium, Mayfield reflected on his close friendship with Darnold and how their experiences in the league have mirrored each other’s paths toward redemption.
Mayfield Credits Darnold’s Confidence and Right Environment
Mayfield spoke candidly about Darnold’s progress, emphasizing the importance of being in the right situation to thrive.
“Sam’s one of my close friends,”
Mayfield said during an event at the Columbia Park Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco, which featured Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominees.
He added,
“Just proud of him. I think it’s not the evolution of Sam. It’s just him being in the right situation. The unwavering confidence, no matter what the situation he’s been in, and being able to come out stronger on the other side.”
Mayfield’s own career has involved similar ups and downs, moving from Cleveland to Carolina and the Los Angeles Rams before gaining a stable role in Tampa Bay. Once a No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, he too endured periods as a backup and uncertainty before finding his footing.
Maintaining Bonds Despite Team Changes
Despite their shared experiences with team shifts, Mayfield remains close with former coaches and friends in the NFL. He tweeted about former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was recently hired by the Atlanta Falcons,
“Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.”
Over the last three seasons, Mayfield has started every game for Tampa Bay, compiling a 27-24 record, earning two Pro Bowl selections, finishing 11th in NFL MVP voting, and placing third in the Comeback Player of the Year category. These accomplishments underscore his growth and resilience.
Giving Back to the Community During Super Bowl Week
While teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepared for Super Bowl LX, Mayfield took time to engage with the Bay Area community at the Boys & Girls Club. He praised the organization’s work, saying,
“The Boys & Girls Club does fantastic things.”
In a playful moment, Mayfield even lost a shoe after making a sudden move against a young defender.
He also highlighted the organization’s partnerships, stating,
“We’ve partnered with them in the past for all the cities that I played in. They do a great job and so to be able to come here and spend time with the kids is awesome.”
Mayfield’s Prediction for the Super Bowl
Keeping a close eye on Darnold’s performance, Mayfield confidently backed his friend in the upcoming championship game. When asked to make a Super Bowl prediction, he declared,
“I’ve got my guy Sam Darnold, Seahawks.”
Darnold, originally the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, had a challenging run with the New York Jets where he posted a 13-25 record as a starter.
Despite a lack of success with the Jets, which led many to write him off, Darnold revitalized his career in Seattle. He secured a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract after bouncing through other teams, including a brief stint with the Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, before locking in with the Seahawks.
Jets’ Decision on Darnold and Mayfield’s Support
Former Jets general manager Joe Douglas explained the decision to move on from Darnold.
“Whether I look bad or not (for trading Darnold), I could give two s**** about that,”
Douglas told the MMQB. He continued,
“I know that he’s gonna have success. The timing didn’t really work out for him here. We couldn’t turn this around fast enough for him. And that’s not his fault. I root for good people, and that dude’s a good man, and he’s gonna do good things.”
Mayfield echoed this sentiment, noting how important it is for quarterbacks to find the right fit.
“Quarterback’s a tough spot to play, so you’ve got to find the right situation,”
he said during the talkSPORT interview. Mayfield sees Darnold’s story as one of perseverance and opportunity, culminating in his chance to become an NFL world champion on Super Bowl Sunday.
A Friend’s Cheer from the Sidelines and Future Ambitions
Mayfield’s support is more than professional; it’s personal. Their shared history of being drafted with high expectations but then facing setbacks has forged a strong bond. Mayfield, set on making the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay by 2027, will be rooting for Darnold to reach new heights with Seattle.
