Everything You Need To Know About Baker Mayfield

Oct 14, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) calls an audible during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Although he was a stand-out player in high school, his size—6’1, 215 lbs—placed Mayfield on the smaller end of the spectrum when it comes to the quarterback position. Because of this, many big-time college football programs overlooked him. Despite this, Mayfield still wanted to play at the highest level and decided to walk on at Texas Tech University.

Mayfield was born and raised in Austin, Texas. The state of Texas is well-known for its high school football culture. At Lake Travis High School, Mayfield was the starter for two seasons, won 25 games, and led his team to a state championship in 2011.

In Austin, Mayfield lived with his parents and older brother, Matt. He and his family are tight, and, because of it, he chose to play close to home so he could be able to spend his free-time and holidays at home.

After playing a season at Texas Tech, Mayfield transferred and walked on for a second time at the University of Oklahoma. Because of NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules, he was required to sit out for a season. Though he was disappointed with having to sit out, he credits that gap season (20114-15) as the turning point in his career and development. The decision to transfer proved to be a good one considering the awards, conference championships, and not to mention, becoming the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Mayfield earned because of it.

Mayfield was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2017 after a phenomenal senior season at the Oklahoma. He led the Sooners to a 12-1 record that season, threw for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns. His pass completion percentage was 71 percent, the highest in college football. Mayfield secured 732 of 882 first-place votes, earning him the title of the “most outstanding college football player.” Mayfield’s competitors in the race for the Heisman were ex-University of Louisville quarterback, Lamar Jackson, and Standford University’s star running back, Bryce Love who placed second and third, respectively.

Mayfield was drafted first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, even though he did not choose to attend the draft in person in Dallas.

Baker Mayfield is represented by Boulder, Colorado-based firm, Capital Sports Advisors. The agency, run by father-son duo, Jack and Tom Mills, aided Mayfield in signing his first NFL contract. Mayfield’s rookie contract with the Browns guarantees $32.7 million over four years, and came with a signing bonus of $21.85 million.

Throughout his college career, Mayfield was known (and still is) for his eccentric behavior, but also for his swag. The former Oklahoma quarterback made his mark in college football by sporting headbands during games. He wore a white and maroon one (University of Oklahoma colors) at the university’s pro day in a picture he tweeted to announce that he was a Nike athlete.

The Browns star QB previewed his collection with PSD Underwear on his Instagram this past summer. The brand has several other professional athlete collections, such as NBA All-Stars, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler. Mayfield is the first NFL player the company has had as a face of their brand. His collection includes pairs in his alma mater and current team’s colors.

On September 20, the Cleveland Browns played the New York Jets at home at FirstEnergy Stadium. Just before halftime, Browns’ QB Tyrod Taylor suffered a concussion, which resulted in Mayfield coming in and taking over the offense for the Browns. When Mayfield went into the game, the Browns were trailing 14-0. Mayfield and the Browns came away with a 21-17 win. He completed 17 of 23 passes and went for 201 yards to help his team capture the win and break the franchise’s 635-day, 19-game losing streak.

His accuracy. During his last season at Oklahoma, he had a pass completion percentage of 70.5. Mayfield clocked a 4.84 40 yard-dash, which is good at the QB position. I think it is fair to say that everyone is looking forward to seeing Mayfield develop in the NFL and become more comfortable with the pace and strength that teams in the league play with.

During his last season at Oklahoma (2017), Mayfield was named the Heisman Trophy winner, AP Player of the Year, and Manning Award recipient. In addition, the Sooners were Big 12 Conference champions. Over the course of his careers at Texas Tech and Oklahoma, Mayfield threw for 14,607 yards, solidifying the seventh place in the FBS record books for Total Career Passing Yards. The current leader, Broncos QB, Case Keenum, threw for 19,217 at the University of Houston.

Mayfield is a huge Justin Timberlake supporter. The two met at JT’s album release party following Super Bowl LII. JT knew who Mayfield was, told him he was a big fan, and even took a picture with him to capture the moment.

Mayfield commends Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ play. Because both of them are similarly on the smaller side of the quarterback spectrum size-wise, it’s easy for Mayfield to mold his game and career around Brees’s. Mayfield looks up to Brees’ leadership on the field, accuracy, mobility, and control.

HBO’s Hard Knocks follows an NFL team through training camp, highlighting the team’s past seasons, newest draftees, and expectations for the upcoming season. On the most recent season, Hard Knocks featured the Cleveland Browns. Upon the rookies arrival to training camp, they have to put on a performance called the rookie show. For the Browns, their rookie show covered impersonations of memorable members of their organization. Mayfield impersonated Browns’ GM John Dorsey, and managed to get all of his mannerisms down pat. From his voice cadence to his walk, Mayfield was the star of the rookie show.