History of Baker Mayfield in Timeline
Baker Reagan Mayfield is an American football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously played for the Cleveland Browns, who selected him first overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Mayfield started his college career as a walk-on player at Texas Tech before transferring to Oklahoma, where he led the Sooners and became the first walk-on to win the Heisman Trophy.
1961: Mayfield Makes Impressive NFL Debut
Baker Mayfield's NFL debut in 1961 was nothing short of remarkable. Coming off the bench in Week 3 against the New York Jets with the Browns trailing 14-0, he orchestrated a stunning comeback. Completing 17 of 23 passes for 201 yards, he led the Browns to a 21-17 victory, ending their 19-game winless streak. This performance made him the first player since Fran Tarkenton in 1961 to achieve such a feat in their debut, establishing his potential as a game-changer.
1969: Browns' Last Playoff Road Win Before Mayfield
In 1969, the Cleveland Browns secured their last playoff road victory before Baker Mayfield's era. This historic win was a significant milestone for the team, highlighting their competitive spirit and resilience. It would be over five decades before the Browns would achieve another playoff road victory, which Mayfield would help deliver.
1994: Browns' Last Playoff Win Before Mayfield
In 1994, the Cleveland Browns achieved their last playoff victory before Baker Mayfield was born. This victory marked the end of a significant era for the team, as it would be several years before they would experience playoff success again. Mayfield would eventually lead the Browns to their next playoff win, breaking the long drought.
1994: The Cleveland Browns' Last Playoff Victory
In 1994, the Cleveland Browns achieved their last playoff victory, marking a significant moment in their history.
April 14, 1995: Baker Mayfield is Born
On April 14, 1995, Baker Reagan Mayfield was born. He would go on to become an American football quarterback.
1999: Mayfield Becomes Browns' 30th Starting Quarterback Since 1999
Baker Mayfield's first NFL start marked a significant milestone for the Cleveland Browns. His debut as the team's starting quarterback made him the 30th player to hold this position since the franchise's return to the NFL in 1999, underscoring the team's struggles to find a consistent and successful quarterback during that period.
1999: Mayfield Earns All-Rookie Honors
Baker Mayfield's impressive performance during his rookie season earned him the 1999 PFWA All-Rookie honor, a testament to his impact on the field. Notably, he became only the second Cleveland Browns quarterback to receive this distinction since Tim Couch in 1999.
1999: Kliff Kingsbury Named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week
In 1999, Kliff Kingsbury, who would go on to be the head coach of Texas Tech, was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week as a freshman.
2001: Mayfield Matches Tim Couch's 16-Game Starting Streak
In 2001, Baker Mayfield matched a franchise record set by Tim Couch in 2001 by becoming the first Cleveland Browns quarterback to start all 16 games in a season since Couch achieved the feat. Despite the Browns' 33-23 loss to the Bengals in Week 17, Mayfield's consistency in starting every game demonstrated his durability and reliability as the team's quarterback.
2002: Browns' Last Playoff Berth Before Mayfield
In 2002, the Cleveland Browns made their last playoff appearance before Baker Mayfield joined the team. This was a significant event in the team's history, as it marked a long drought of playoff appearances that would not be broken until Mayfield helped lead the team to the playoffs in the 2020 season. Mayfield was only seven years old at the time, but this event set the stage for the challenges and triumphs he would face with the Browns years later.
2002: The Cleveland Browns Last Playoff Appearance
The year 2002 marked the last time the Cleveland Browns made a playoff appearance before a long drought.
2007: Mayfield Leads Browns to Winning Season
In 2007, Baker Mayfield played a pivotal role in guiding the Cleveland Browns to a 7-8-1 record, their best season since 2007. His impressive performance, throwing for 3,725 passing yards and setting a new rookie record with 27 touchdown passes, surpassing the likes of Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson, solidified his status as a rising star in the league.
2007: Cleveland Browns Winning Season
In 2007, the Cleveland Browns achieved their first winning season since 2007, marking a significant milestone for the team. This accomplishment was a precursor to future successes, including the period during which Baker Mayfield played for the team. Although this event occurred before Mayfield's tenure, it set the stage for the team's resurgence. The Browns' record for the 2007 season was instrumental in highlighting the team's potential for future playoff berths and successes.
2011: Mayfield Leads Lake Travis to 4A State Championship
In 2011, Baker Mayfield led his high school team, the Lake Travis High School Cavaliers, to victory in the 4A State Championship.
2013: Mayfield Starts as Quarterback for Texas Tech
In 2013, Baker Mayfield became the first walk-on true freshman quarterback to start an FBS season opener at the quarterback position for Texas Tech.
2013: Mayfield Leaves Texas Tech
Baker Mayfield earned Big 12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year for the 2013 season, but announced his departure from the Texas Tech program due to a "miscommunication" with the coaching staff.
January 2014: Mayfield Transfers to University of Oklahoma
In January 2014, Baker Mayfield transferred to the University of Oklahoma without contacting the Sooners coaching staff. He later said this was due to scholarship issues and the perception that he had earned the starting position at Texas Tech without fair competition.
February 2014: Mayfield Walks On For the Oklahoma Sooners
In February 2014, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops confirmed that Mayfield would be walking on for the Oklahoma Sooners.
July 2014: Texas Tech Grants Release, but Mayfield Loses Eligibility
In July 2014, Texas Tech ultimately granted Baker Mayfield a release from his scholarship, allowing him to transfer to Oklahoma. However, they refused to authorize his immediate eligibility, resulting in Mayfield being forced to sit out the 2014 season and lose a year of eligibility, as mandated by Big 12 Conference rules.
September 2014: Mayfield's NCAA Appeal Denied
In September 2014, Baker Mayfield's appeal to the NCAA to waive the transfer rules and allow him to play immediately at Oklahoma was denied. He argued that as a walk-on at Texas Tech, he should not be subject to the same transfer restrictions as scholarship players. The NCAA, however, did not find his case compelling enough to grant an exception.
August 24, 2015: Mayfield Named Starting Quarterback For Oklahoma Sooners
On August 24, 2015, Mayfield was named the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, winning an open competition against Trevor Knight.
September 6, 2015: Mayfield Starts Against Akron
On September 6, 2015, Mayfield started as quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners against Akron, passing for 388 yards and three touchdowns.
2015: Mayfield Leads Browns to First Away Win Since 2015
In 2015, Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to a crucial away victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking the team's first win on the road since 2015. This win demonstrated Mayfield's leadership and ability to perform under pressure, bringing a renewed sense of hope to the Browns and their fans.
2015: Mayfield Finishes Fourth in Heisman Trophy Voting
In 2015, Mayfield finished the year with 3,700 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, placing him fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. He also led Oklahoma to the 2015 Orange Bowl, which they lost to Clemson 37-17.
2015: Mayfield Loses a Season of Eligibility
In 2015, Mayfield lost a season of eligibility due to Big 12 Conference transfer rules, following an unsuccessful appeal.
June 1, 2016: Big 12 Rejects Initial Walk-On Transfer Rule Proposal
On June 1, 2016, a proposed rule change that would have allowed walk-on players to transfer within the Big 12 Conference without losing eligibility was rejected by the conference's faculty athletic representatives. This decision meant that Baker Mayfield's situation remained unchanged.
December 2016: Mayfield and Westbrook Named Heisman Finalists
In December 2016, Mayfield and his teammate Dede Westbrook were named finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
2016: Mayfield and Dede Westbrook Announced as Heisman Finalists
In 2016, Mayfield and his teammate Dede Westbrook were announced as finalists for the Heisman Trophy, with Mayfield finishing third.
February 25, 2017: Arrest for Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest
On February 25, 2017, Baker Mayfield was arrested in Washington County, Arkansas and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and fleeing and resisting arrest. Police described Mayfield as being unable to walk straight, having slurred speech, and food on his shirt.
June 15, 2017: Disciplinary Action for Arrest
On June 15, 2017, following his February arrest, the University of Oklahoma ordered Mayfield to undergo 35 hours of community service and complete an alcohol education program.
September 9, 2017: Mayfield Plants Oklahoma Flag in Ohio Stadium
On September 9, 2017, Mayfield planted the Oklahoma Sooners flag in the middle of the painted "O" at Ohio Stadium after a win against the Ohio State Buckeyes, causing public backlash and leading to an apology from Mayfield.
November 4, 2017: Mayfield Throws For School-High 598 Yards Against Oklahoma State
On November 4, 2017, Mayfield threw for a school-high 598 yards against Oklahoma State, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a 62-52 victory. This marked Mayfield's third victory as the starting quarterback for Oklahoma in the Bedlam Series.
November 2017: Mayfield's Controversial Actions Against Kansas
In November 2017, Baker Mayfield sparked controversy during a game against Kansas by making an obscene gesture and directing expletives at the opposing team's coach. He also made disparaging remarks about their fans. Mayfield subsequently issued a public apology, but his actions resulted in disciplinary measures from his coach, Lincoln Riley. He was benched for the following game against West Virginia and stripped of his captaincy.
December 2, 2017: Oklahoma Wins Big 12 Championship
On December 2, 2017, Baker Mayfield led Oklahoma to a decisive 41-17 victory over TCU in the Big 12 Championship game, securing their third consecutive conference title. Mayfield's exceptional performance earned him MVP honors, and Oklahoma earned a spot in the playoffs for the second time in three years.
December 9, 2017: Mayfield Wins Heisman Trophy
On December 9, 2017, Baker Mayfield achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first walk-on player to win the Heisman Trophy. He secured the award with an overwhelming majority, receiving 732 first-place votes and 2,398 points, representing 86% of the possible points, the third-highest percentage in Heisman history.
2017: Mayfield and Westbrook to Play in Sugar Bowl
Mayfield and Westbrook played in the 2017 Sugar Bowl.
2017: Mayfield Leads Oklahoma to Victory in Sugar Bowl
In the 2017 Sugar Bowl, Mayfield helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to a 35–19 victory over Auburn. His performance earned him the MVP award.
2017: Mayfield Regains Eligibility
In 2017, the Big 12 Conference revised its transfer rules, specifically for walk-on athletes, allowing them to transfer within the conference without losing a year of eligibility if they hadn't received a written scholarship offer from their previous school. This rule change made Baker Mayfield eligible to play for Oklahoma. Notably, Texas Tech supported this rule change, demonstrating a shift in their stance on Mayfield's transfer.
July 24, 2018: Mayfield Drafted by Cleveland Browns
On July 24, 2018, Baker Mayfield officially embarked on his NFL journey by signing a four-year rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, who had selected him as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The deal guaranteed him $32.68 million, marking a significant step in his professional career.
2018: Mayfield Misses Out on Rookie of the Year, Earns Other Accolades
Despite being a frontrunner for the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Baker Mayfield lost out to Saquon Barkley, the Giants running back. However, his exceptional rookie season earned him recognition as the 50th best player in the league on the annual Top 100 Players list for 2019, as voted by his peers. Furthermore, he was named 2018 PFWA All-Rookie, becoming the second Cleveland quarterback to receive this honor since Tim Couch in 1999.
2018: Mayfield's First Game Missed
In 2018, Baker Mayfield took over as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. He did not miss a game until Week 7 of the 2021 season, when he was ruled out due to an injury. This streak showcased Mayfield's durability and commitment to the team.
2018: Baker Mayfield Drafted First Overall by the Cleveland Browns
In 2018, Baker Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL draft.
2018: Oklahoma Loses Rose Bowl
In 2018, Oklahoma, led by Baker Mayfield, suffered a 54-48 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Rose Bowl, which served as the national semifinal game.
July 2019: Marriage to Emily Wilkinson
Baker Mayfield married Emily Wilkinson in July 2019.
2019: Mayfield's Performance in 2019 Season
During the 2019 season, Baker Mayfield faced both highs and lows. He threw for 3,827 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, but also threw 21 interceptions. His efforts, however, were not enough to prevent the Browns from finishing the season with a 6-10 record. This season highlighted the challenges and inconsistencies that can accompany a young quarterback's development in the NFL.
2019: Mayfield Ranked Among Top Players
In 2019, Baker Mayfield was recognized as the 50th best player in the league on the annual Top 100 Players list, based on votes from his fellow NFL players. This ranking highlighted his growing influence and respect within the league.
December 6, 2020: Mayfield's Highest Completion Rate
On December 6, 2020, Baker Mayfield achieved his highest completion rate of 75.8% in a game against the Titans while playing for the Browns. This performance was a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his accuracy and efficiency as a quarterback.
2020: Baker Mayfield's 2020 Season Performance
Throughout the 2020 season, Baker Mayfield demonstrated exceptional performance, finishing with 4,030 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and nine interceptions over 18 total games. His efforts were recognized by his fellow players, who ranked him 71st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021. This season was a significant milestone in Mayfield's career, showcasing his skills and solidifying his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.
2020: Mayfield Leads the Browns to First Playoff Appearance in 18 Years
During the 2020 season, Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first playoff victory since 1994.
2020: Baker Mayfield's 2020 Season
In 2020, Baker Mayfield had a standout season with the Cleveland Browns. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns in Week 13 against the Titans, tying a franchise record with his four first-half TDs. The Browns clinched their first winning season since 2007 and earned their first playoff berth since 2002 with an 11-5 record. Mayfield was named the FedEx Air player of the week for Week 13 and threw for 343 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in Week 14. However, he faced challenges, such as losing a fumble in Week 16 against the Jets. The Browns' victory in Week 17 against the Steelers secured their playoff spot.
April 23, 2021: Browns Exercise Mayfield's Fifth-Year Option
On April 23, 2021, the Cleveland Browns exercised Baker Mayfield's fifth-year contract option for the 2022 season, worth $18.9 million guaranteed. This decision underscored the team's confidence in Mayfield's abilities and their commitment to building their future around him.
October 7, 2021: Mayfield Plays with Torn Labrum
On October 7, 2021, it was revealed that Baker Mayfield was playing with a partially torn labrum, an injury he sustained during the Browns' Week 2 victory over the Texans. Despite the injury, Mayfield continued to play until reaggravating it in Week 6 against the Cardinals. This event highlighted Mayfield's determination and resilience.
November 14, 2021: Mayfield's Knee Contusion
On November 14, 2021, Baker Mayfield suffered a right knee contusion during the Browns' Week 10 loss to the Patriots. Although the injury was not severe, Coach Kevin Stefanski decided to rest Mayfield for the remainder of the game due to the hits he had absorbed and the game's outcome being out of reach.
2021: Mayfield Ranked in NFL Top 100 Players
In 2021, Baker Mayfield was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, reflecting his impressive performance during the 2020 season. This recognition was a testament to Mayfield's skills, dedication, and impact on the field, further establishing his status as a prominent NFL quarterback.
January 5, 2022: Mayfield Undergoes Surgery
On January 5, 2022, Baker Mayfield was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum, ending his season. The Browns made this decision after being eliminated from the postseason following a Week 17 loss to the Steelers. This surgery was crucial for Mayfield's recovery and future performance.
July 6, 2022: Mayfield Traded to Panthers
On July 6, 2022, Baker Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2024 conditional fifth-round draft pick. This trade marked a new chapter in Mayfield's career, as he joined a new team and aimed to make a significant impact.
August 22, 2022: Mayfield Named Panthers Week 1 Starter
On August 22, 2022, Baker Mayfield was named the Week 1 starter for the Carolina Panthers for their game against the Browns. Despite a late rally, Mayfield and the Panthers faced a 26–24 loss. This game marked the beginning of Mayfield's tenure as the starting quarterback for the Panthers.
December 5, 2022: Mayfield Released by Panthers
On December 5, 2022, Baker Mayfield requested and was granted his release from the Carolina Panthers after the team started the season with a 1–5 record. This decision allowed Mayfield to seek opportunities with other teams and marked the end of his stint with the Panthers.
December 6, 2022: Mayfield Claimed by Rams
On December 6, 2022, Baker Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams, who inherited the remaining $1.35 million on his contract. Despite having only two days to learn the playbook, Mayfield led the Rams to a comeback victory against the Raiders, with a 98-yard game-winning drive. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance.
2022: Mayfield Requests Trade After Watson Signing
In the 2022 offseason, Baker Mayfield requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns after the team traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson and signed him to a contract extension. This request marked a significant turning point in Mayfield's career, as he sought a new opportunity with a different team.
2022: Mayfield Traded to Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams
In 2022, Baker Mayfield was traded from the Cleveland Browns and spent the year playing for the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams.
March 16, 2023: Mayfield Signs with Buccaneers
On March 16, 2023, Baker Mayfield signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 1 against the Vikings, he led the team to a 20–17 victory by throwing a touchdown to end the first half and completing crucial plays in the second half. Mayfield continued his strong performance in Week 2 against the Bears, achieving a career-best completion rate of 76% for any game with 33+ pass attempts.
December 4, 2023: Pregnancy Announcement
On December 4, 2023, Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily Wilkinson announced they were expecting their first child, a girl, in April 2024.
2023: Mayfield Joins Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2023 season.
March 10, 2024: Mayfield Signs Buccaneers Contract Extension
On March 10, 2024, Baker Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. This extension reflects the Buccaneers' confidence in Mayfield's abilities and their commitment to him as a key player for the team's future.
2024: Conditional Draft Pick for Mayfield Trade
In 2024, the Carolina Panthers will potentially utilize the conditional fifth-round draft pick they received in exchange for Baker Mayfield. This pick will be a result of the 2022 trade that sent Mayfield to the Panthers, impacting both teams' future roster decisions.