Baker Mayfield has expressed support for his former teammate Sam Darnold as Darnold prepares to compete in the Super Bowl this Sunday, while Mayfield himself readies to face his old coach as a divisional opponent next season. The two former top draft picks from 2018 share intertwined paths that have seen significant developments over the past few years.
Mayfield and Darnold, who were teammates competing for a starting role with the Carolina Panthers, have both seen their careers evolve amidst changing teams and circumstances. Mayfield found his footing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Darnold is headed to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, and the Panthers have advanced to the playoffs with Bryce Young under center.
Lessons Learned from Past Challenges and New Opportunities
In an interview with Fox News Digital during Super Bowl media week in San Francisco, Mayfield called the entire scenario “interesting.” He admitted a strong connection to Darnold’s story due to the similarities in their careers and said,
“I’m so happy for Sam, having similar stories and journeys, really happy for him. He’s fought through and come out better on the other side. He’s found a home in Seattle, hopefully they get it done for his sake,”
Mayfield commented on the evolving culture in Carolina, pointing to changes in staff and leadership that have facilitated Bryce Young’s growth.
“In Carolina, not every situation is right for it. We were there together, different staff, different GM, all that, then you hire Dave Canales. I know he’s going to help Bryce Young develop and make him become a better player. When you have belief like that and it starts to change the culture after it’s been bad for a few years, that’s the confidence that people – you don’t want to underestimate that.”
Mayfield’s own career trajectory has included difficult transitions, such as his underwhelming stint with the Cleveland Browns followed by a short tenure with the Carolina Panthers before moving to the Los Angeles Rams, where he backed up Matthew Stafford for part of a season. His breakthrough came when he stepped in to replace legendary quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, a challenge he has embraced fully.
“It just takes being in the right fit and understanding as a QB what system you want to be in, and you have to be able to be on the same page with everybody,”
Mayfield said, adding,
“Through all the ups and downs, don’t lose your self-confidence, and understanding that as long as I can learn something from each opportunity, good things will happen.”
Addressing Past Conflicts and Ongoing Rivalries
Despite showing empathy for others, Mayfield is candid about harboring grudges, notably toward former Panthers head coach Steve Wilks and his first NFL coach, Kevin Stefanski. The quarterback publicly criticized Stefanski after a journalist claimed Mayfield had “failed” during his time in Cleveland.
“Failed is quite the reach pal,”
Mayfield responded on X, countering remarks that included Deshaun Watson, who remains with the Browns. He added bluntly,
“Still waiting on a text/call from [Stefanski] after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.”
Mayfield, however, holds onto his competitive edge despite these disagreements, recognizing the complicated relationships in the NFL.
“For me, anytime, whether it’s a good relationship or bad relationship, if you’re familiar with the person, you want to win. Because you’re probably gonna run into them later on down the road, and you want to have the last laugh always. As a competitor, you never want to lose, but you definitely never want to lose to somebody that you know really well.”
He noted that while teammates reached out quickly after Stefanski joined a division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a long season ahead.
“It’s February. We got a long way to go.”
Personal Connections Beyond Football
Outside of the sport, Mayfield shared a heartfelt connection with Sonic, the fast-food chain where he recently partnered in a full-circle collaboration. Growing up in Texas and playing college football near Sonic’s headquarters in Oklahoma City, the brand holds nostalgic significance for him.
“Growing up in Texas, Sonic’s been fantastic for me. It’s where we used to hang out when you’re younger, nothing else to do, go to a side parking lot and just hang out. And playing college football in Oklahoma, and the headquarters are in Oklahoma City, so it’s one of those things and connections everywhere,”
Mayfield said, adding, “Big burger guy, so the Sonic Smasher, it’s hard to beat, to be honest with you. I don’t really have to sell it. People try it and it speaks for itself.”
“I can go back to elementary school, my dad would come in and surprise me, drop off Sonic for lunch. It was the best day in the world. Every kid would look at me pretty jealous.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Season with Optimism
The Buccaneers recently missed the playoffs for the first time since Tom Brady’s departure, with Mayfield watching the Panthers’ division win unfold as a disappointing end to the season. He acknowledged the frustration of rooting for another team with no control over their outcomes.
“You’re rooting for a team, but you have no control over a game, I cannot do that full time. It’s hard to do,”
he admitted.
However, Mayfield is hopeful for a strong comeback, highlighting improvements on the offensive line and the full participation of key receivers.
“It starts up front. This is not a pity party or an excuse, but we never had our, on paper, our cetified O-linemen. They didn’t even take a snap together. So that’s tough. NFL, it starts and ends with the big guys up front, whether it’s offensive line, defensive line, game’s always won in the trenches. Those guys set the tone for the whole game, for the team. So when you don’t have your five studs consistently playing together, those guys get in a groove together, and they can change the course of the season,”
Mayfield explained.
He emphasized the importance of a healthy and consistent line alongside continuing to develop his young receivers.
“Hopefully having those guys back and being healthy will be a big difference for us. And for me, just continue to develop our young receivers and get on the same page with whoever we got.”
Significance of Mayfield’s Career Evolution and Future Outlook
Baker Mayfield’s career update reflects a journey of resilience, adaptation, and growth amid intense competition and shifting team dynamics. His willingness to confront past challenges openly, combined with a focus on future opportunities with the Buccaneers, signals a determined athlete prepared for the battles ahead.
As Mayfield prepares to face familiar faces as both rival player and former coach, his reflections reveal the complex fabric of relationships and rivalries that define the NFL. With a renewed emphasis on team cohesion and personal development, Mayfield stands ready to contribute meaningfully in the seasons to come.
