The Reason Bucs Teammates Are So Fond Of Baker Mayfield

We are all aware by now how much Baker Mayfield has fit in with the Bucs after just one season in Tampa Bay. Starting off his second season in red and pewter, Mayfield’s leadership has reached new heights. As more and more national media and broadcasters preview the upcoming season, and more specifically the Bucs in the NFC South, we learn more each day of what has made Mayfield so special to this group.

A big reason why Mayfield has won the hearts of his teammates is because of his never-quit attitude, playing chippy, and having the will to win. That started right away in Week 1 when the Bucs defeated the Minnesota Vikings on the road. Late in the game, Mayfield rushed for an important first down while taking a hit from a Vikings defender. He immediately popped up and said “Get your weight up, little boy!”

There are many other examples that show how much Mayfield cares about winning and his teammates. He took some brutal shots last year and played through injury late in the season to help the Bucs win. He clearly wasn’t feeling 100% when the Bucs clinched the NFC South division with a 9-0 win over the Panthers in Carolina playing with sore ribs and a knee sprain. His presence meant a lot though, and that’s been the case with Mayfield at times. It’s not always pretty, but he can still get the job done.

Baker Mayfield Is “Uncanny”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Former NFL Super Bowl champion and broadcaster Mark Schlereth previewed the Bucs and the NFC South on his show the “Stinkin’ Truth Podcast” where he revealed a great story about a conversation he had with former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales about what makes Baker Mayfield such a likable and determined person.

“I did some Tampa games last year, became with friendly with Dave Canales who’s now the Carolina head coach,” Schlereth began. “One of things he said about Baker, he’s like ‘The dude is uncanny. He can play a quarter and a half of absolute garbage football and you’re just like, what are you doing? And when it’s nut cutting time, he plays his best football. Just remarkable when the pressure’s on how much better he plays.’ He’s a guy I couldn’t be happier for. I really do like him.”

Mayfield is capable of having some great games like he did against the Packers and bad ones such as their home game facing the Saints. He’s also shown the ability to step up in big moments, such as taking the lead late against the Texans and winning in the last seconds of an important game against the Falcons with first place in the NFC South up for grabs.

Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bucs Buying In To Baker

When we hear wide receiver Chris Godwin or right tackle Luke Goedeke speak about Baker Mayfield, it makes sense. He’s the leader of the offense who’s getting Godwin the ball and treats Goedeke and the other lineman really well. Mayfield’s probably better friends with the offensive line than any other position group, as he regularly warms up with them each practice.

To hear it from defensive player, though, shows a great deal of importance. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was on the Jim Rome Show this week and in his one season of play, Mayfield’s attitude has rubbed off on him and other teammates.

“Baker is a guy that you want to run through a wall for,” Kancey said. “He’s a guy that’s going to leave it out on the line. He’s very competitive, he’s a great guy overall. Helps out in the community, he’s willing to give his last to anybody, to anyone on the team or anyone in general. He’s just a baller. He’s a dawg.”

The entire Bucs team has rallied around Mayfield. Chemistry is an important element in football, and Tampa Bay has it on each side of the ball. Mayfield is an important reason why this team is so together – and in the hunt for a fourth straight division title in 2024.