Baker Mayfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Baker Mayfield

Mayfield with the Cleveland Browns in 2021
No. 6 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1995-04-14) April 14, 1995 (age 30) Austin, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
College:	Texas Tech (2013) Oklahoma (2014–2017)
NFL Draft:	2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
Career history
Cleveland Browns (2018) Carolina Panthers (2022) Los Angeles Rams (2022) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
2× Pro Bowl (2023, 2024) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018) Heisman Trophy (2017) Maxwell Award (2017) Walter Camp Award (2017) Davey O'Brien Award (2017) Manning Award (2017) Chic Harley Award (2017) Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award (2017) AP College Football Player of the Year (2017) 2× Burlsworth Trophy (2015, 2016) 2× Kellen Moore Award (2015, 2016) 2× SN Player of the Year (2015, 2017) Unanimous All-American (2017) First-team All-American (2015) Third-team All-American (2016) 2× Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2015, 2017) 3× First-team All-Big 12 (2015–2017) Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2013) NFL record Career playoff passer rating (minimum 150 attempts): 105.9
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Passing attempts: 3,395 Passing completions: 2,157 Completion percentage: 63.5% TD–INT: 171–90 Passing yards: 24,832 Passer rating: 91.2

Baker Reagan Mayfield (born April 14, 1995) is an American professional football quarterback. He plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). Baker played college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Oklahoma Sooners.

In 2017, he won the Heisman Trophy, a top award for college football players. He was the first "walk-on" player to win this award. A walk-on is a player who joins a team without a scholarship. The Cleveland Browns chose him as the very first player in the 2018 NFL draft.

In his first NFL season, Baker set a record for rookie quarterbacks with the most passing touchdowns. He also helped the Browns end a long losing streak. His best season with the Browns was in 2020. He led them to their first playoff game since 2002 and their first playoff win since 1994.

After leaving the Browns in 2022, Baker played for the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. He joined the Buccaneers in 2023. He has led the team to two division titles and a playoff win. He also earned Pro Bowl honors and set new personal bests in passing yards and touchdowns. Baker Mayfield currently holds the record for the highest playoff passer rating in NFL history.

Early Life and High School Football

Baker Reagan Mayfield was born on April 14, 1995, in Austin, Texas. His parents are James and Gina Mayfield. Baker is the younger of their two sons. His father, James, played football for the University of Houston.

Baker grew up as a big fan of the University of Oklahoma football team. He went to many of their games when he was a kid.

He was the starting quarterback for the Lake Travis High School football team in Austin. He led his team to a great record of 25 wins and 2 losses over two seasons. In 2011, he helped Lake Travis win the 4A State Championship. During his high school career, he threw for 6,255 yards and 67 touchdowns.

College Football Journey

Baker Mayfield started his college football career as a walk-on at Texas Tech. This means he joined the team without a scholarship.

Playing for Texas Tech

2013 Season Highlights

Before the 2013 season began, Baker became the starting quarterback for Texas Tech. He was the first true freshman walk-on quarterback to start an FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) season opener.

In his first game against SMU, Baker threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns. He completed 43 passes, which broke a school record. For his amazing performance, he was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

He finished his first season with 2,315 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Baker was also named the Big 12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year for 2013. After this season, he decided to leave Texas Tech.

Moving to Oklahoma

2014 Season: Sitting Out

In January 2014, Baker transferred to the University of Oklahoma. He joined the Oklahoma Sooners as a walk-on. Due to transfer rules, he was not allowed to play in the 2014 season. He also lost one year of his college playing eligibility.

2015 Season: Becoming a Starter

On August 24, 2015, Baker was named the starting quarterback for the Sooners. He won the starting job after a competition.

In his first game for Oklahoma, he threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns. In a tough game against Tennessee, he helped Oklahoma come back from a 17-point deficit to win in double overtime. He threw for 187 yards and three touchdowns in that game. Later, against Tulsa, he had a career-best day with 487 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Baker finished the 2015 season with 3,700 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. His great play led him to finish fourth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. He also led Oklahoma to the 2015 Orange Bowl, which was a semifinal game for the College Football Playoff.

2016 Season: More Success

Baker continued his strong play in the 2016 season. In a rivalry game against Texas, he threw for 390 yards and three touchdowns in a 45–40 win.

On October 22, 2016, in a high-scoring game against Texas Tech, Baker threw for 545 yards and seven touchdowns. This game broke many passing records. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.

In the 2017 Sugar Bowl, Baker led the Sooners to a 35–19 victory over Auburn. He threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the MVP award for the game.

2017 Season: Heisman Winner

Mayfield at 2017 Big 12 Media Days

On November 4, 2017, Baker threw for a school-record 598 yards against Oklahoma State. He completed 24 of 36 passes for five touchdowns and also ran for one touchdown. Oklahoma won the game 62–52. Baker finished his college career with a perfect 3–0 record as the starting quarterback in the "Bedlam Series" against Oklahoma State.

On December 2, 2017, Baker led Oklahoma to their third straight Big 12 championship. Oklahoma defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 41–17. Baker won the MVP award for the game. Oklahoma then made it to the playoffs again, but lost to the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 Rose Bowl.

On December 9, 2017, Baker Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman Trophy. He received a large number of votes, making him the first and only walk-on player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

College Statistics Overview

Baker Mayfield had an impressive college career. He played 48 games, starting 46 of them. He completed 1,026 passes for 14,607 yards and 131 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,083 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Professional Football Career

Mayfield in 2018 training camp

The Cleveland Browns chose Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract with the Browns.

Cleveland Browns Years

2018 Season: Rookie Success

Baker played his first NFL game in Week 3 against the New York Jets. He came into the game when the Browns were losing 14–0. Baker threw for 201 yards, and the Browns came back to win 21–17. This win ended the Browns' 19-game losing streak. He was the first player since 1961 to come off the bench in his first game, throw for over 200 yards, and lead his team to its first win of the season.

Baker became the starting quarterback in the next game. In Week 5, he earned his first win as a Browns starter against the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for 342 yards in that game. In Week 10, he led the Browns to a 28–16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, throwing three touchdowns. He also led the Browns to their first away win since 2015 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In Week 16, Baker threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns against the Bengals. He was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Offensive Player of the Week. He was also fined for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game. In the final game of the season, he threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns against the Ravens.

Baker helped the Browns finish the season with a 7–8–1 record, their best since 2007. He finished his rookie season with 3,725 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. This broke the record for most touchdowns thrown by a rookie quarterback. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

2019 Season: Challenges and Growth

Mayfield against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019

In Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, Baker threw for 285 yards and a touchdown. However, he also threw three interceptions, and the Browns lost. In Week 2, he threw for 325 yards in a win against the Jets. He had a long 89-yard touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr..

In Week 10, Baker threw two touchdown passes in a victory against the Buffalo Bills, ending a four-game losing streak for the Browns. He also earned his first career win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. Baker finished the 2019 season with 3,827 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. The Browns finished with a 6–10 record.

2020 Season: Playoff Breakthrough

Mayfield in 2020

In Week 7, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baker had an amazing comeback. He completed 22 of 23 passes for 297 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. This led the Browns to a thrilling 37–34 victory. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for this game.

In Week 13 against the Titans, Baker completed 25 of 33 passes for 334 yards. He threw four touchdowns in the first half, helping the Browns win 41–35. This win gave the Browns a 9–3 record, their first winning season since 2007.

In Week 17, Baker and the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24–22. This earned them their first playoff spot since 2002. In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, Baker led the Browns to a 48–37 win over the Steelers. He threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns. This was the Browns' first playoff victory since 1994. They later lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

Baker finished the 2020 season with 4,030 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.

2021 Season: Injury Challenges

Mayfield with the Browns in 2021

The Browns extended Baker's contract for the 2022 season. In October 2021, it was revealed that Baker was playing with a partially torn shoulder injury. He continued to play with the injury but missed his first game as a starter in Week 7.

After the Browns were out of the playoffs, Baker had surgery on his torn shoulder. He finished the 2021 season with 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 14 games. In the 2022 offseason, the Browns traded for another quarterback, and Baker asked to be traded.

Carolina Panthers

On July 6, 2022, Baker was traded to the Panthers. He competed for the starting quarterback position and was named the Week 1 starter. In Week 5, he suffered an ankle injury. He later asked to be released from the Panthers, which happened on December 5, 2022.

Los Angeles Rams

On December 6, 2022, the Rams picked up Baker. He had only two days to learn their plays. In his first game with the Rams, he came off the bench and led a stunning comeback. The Rams were losing 16–3 in the fourth quarter. Baker then led a 98-yard touchdown drive to win the game. This was the longest touchdown drive of his career. He was named the National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

In Week 15, Baker threw his 100th career passing touchdown. He later said his time with the Rams helped him enjoy football again.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2023 Season: New Beginnings

On March 15, 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield. He competed to become the starting quarterback after Tom Brady retired.

In Week 1, Baker led the Buccaneers to a 20–17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 2, he threw for 317 yards and one touchdown in a 27–17 win against the Chicago Bears. This was the first time in his career that he started a season with a 2–0 record.

In Week 15 against the Packers, Baker had a perfect passer rating. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns in a 34–20 win. He was the first opposing quarterback to ever have a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for this game.

In Week 18, Baker led the Buccaneers to a 9–0 victory over the Panthers. This win secured the Buccaneers' third straight division title. Baker finished the season with career highs in touchdown passes (28) and passing yards (4,044). He also earned his first Pro Bowl nomination.

In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, Baker completed 22 of 36 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Buccaneers to a 32–9 win over the Eagles. In the Divisional Round, the Buccaneers lost to the Detroit Lions.

2024 Season: Continued Success

On March 10, 2024, Baker signed a three-year contract extension with the Buccaneers. In Week 1, he threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in a 37–20 win. He continued to play well, leading the Buccaneers to a 3–1 record after four games.

In Week 6, Baker threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns in a 51–27 win against the Saints. The offense gained a franchise record 594 yards in that game. Despite some tough losses, Baker helped the Buccaneers win games, including a 30–7 victory over the Giants.

In Week 17, Baker had an amazing game against the Panthers. He completed 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week again. He then led his team to another division title in Week 18, rallying from a deficit to beat the Saints.

Baker finished the 2024 season with 4,500 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns. He became only the fourth player in NFL history to have at least 4,000 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and a 70% completion rate in a single season. He also led the NFL in interceptions (16) and fumbles (13).

The Buccaneers made the playoffs again. In the Wild Card Round, Baker threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Buccaneers lost to the Washington Commanders, ending their season.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season

Postseason

Awards and Achievements

College Awards

• Heisman Trophy (2017)
• 2× Heisman Trophy Finalist (2016, 2017)
• Maxwell Award (2017)
• Walter Camp Award (2017)
• Davey O'Brien Award (2017)
• Associated Press Player of the Year (2017)
• 2× Sporting News Player of the Year (2015, 2017)
• 2× Burlsworth Trophy (2015, 2016)
• 2× Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2015, 2017)
• Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2013)
• First former walk-on to win Heisman Trophy

NFL Awards

• 2× Pro Bowl (2023, 2024)
• Highest playoff passer rating (minimum 150 attempts): 105.9
• 7× Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (2018 Weeks 3, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17)
• 2× AFC Offensive Player of the Week: Week 16 (2018), Week 7 (2020)
• 2× NFC Offensive Player of the Week: Week 14 (2022), Week 15 (2023)
• PFWA Rookie of the Year (2018)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)

Cleveland Browns Team Records

• Most consecutive games with at least two passing touchdowns – 5
• Most passing yards per game in a season – 266.1
• Highest passer rating by a rookie – 93.7
• Highest completion percentage by a rookie – 63.8%
• Most pass completions by a rookie – 310
• Most passing yards by a rookie – 3,725
• Most touchdown passes by a rookie – 27
• Most touchdown passes in a game by a rookie – 4

Personal Life

In July 2019, Baker Mayfield married Emily Wilkinson. In December 2023, they announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter was born in April 2024.

During his time with the Browns, Baker Mayfield appeared in commercials for Progressive Insurance. The ads showed him living "at home" in the Browns' stadium.

See also

In Spanish: Baker Mayfield para niños