Baker Mayfield's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Baker Mayfield. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Baker Mayfield is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He gained prominence playing college football for Texas Tech and later Oklahoma, where he notably won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 as the first walk-on player to achieve this honor. Mayfield was the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. His career is marked by both high expectations and the distinction of being a Heisman-winning walk-on turned NFL player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Fran Tarkenton Record

In his first NFL game in Week 3 against the New York Jets, replacing an injured Tyrod Taylor, Mayfield became the first player since Fran Tarkenton in 1961 to come off the bench in his debut, throw for more than 200 yards, and lead his team to its first win of the season.

1969: Browns' First Playoff Road Victory Since 1969

In the Wild Card Round, it was also the Browns' first playoff road victory in 51 years, way back in 1969.

1994: Playoff Victory

In 2020, Baker Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994.

1994: Browns' First Playoff Victory Since 1994

In the Wild Card Round, Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994.

1999: Kingsbury Named Offensive Player of the Week

In 1999, Kliff Kingsbury became the last freshman Texas Tech quarterback to be named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week, a feat later matched by Baker Mayfield.

2002: Playoff Appearance

In 2020, Baker Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002.

2002: Browns earn first playoff berth since 2002

In 2020, Mayfield and the Browns earned their first playoff berth since 2002 after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2007: Browns clinch first winning season since 2007

In 2007, the Browns clinched their first winning season since 2007.

2011: Won State Championship

In 2011, Baker Mayfield led Lake Travis High School to win the 4A State Championship.

2013: Freshman Offensive Player of the Year

In 2013, Baker Mayfield earned Big 12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Following this, he announced his departure from the Texas Tech program due to a 'miscommunication' with the coaching staff.

2015: Finished Year with 3,700 Passing Yards

In 2015, Baker Mayfield finished the year with 3,700 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He helped lead Oklahoma to the 2015 Orange Bowl, which served as the semifinal for the 2015 College Football Playoff.

December 2016: Heisman Finalist

In December 2016, it was announced that Baker Mayfield was a finalist for the 2016 Heisman Trophy and would play in the 2017 Sugar Bowl.

November 4, 2017: School-High Passing Yards

On November 4, 2017, Baker Mayfield threw for a school-high 598 yards against Oklahoma State. Oklahoma won the game 62-52.

December 2, 2017: Won Big 12 Championship

On December 2, 2017, Baker Mayfield led Oklahoma to its third straight Big 12 championship, beating the TCU Horned Frogs 41–17. Mayfield won MVP honors.

December 9, 2017: Won Heisman Trophy

On December 9, 2017, Baker Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman Trophy. He became the first and only walk-on player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

2017: Sugar Bowl MVP

In 2017, Baker Mayfield led the Sooners to a 35–19 victory over Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. He earned the MVP award for his performance.

2017: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2017, Baker Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was the first walk-on player to ever win the award.

2017: Finished Third in Heisman Voting

In December 2016, it was announced that Baker Mayfield was a finalist for the 2016 Heisman Trophy. He would end up finishing third in the Heisman voting.

2018: PFWA All-Rookie Selection

In 2018, while considered a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, the award was won by Saquon Barkley. Baker Mayfield was named 2018 PFWA All-Rookie, being the second Cleveland quarterback since Tim Couch in 1999 to receive this honor.

2019: Ranked #50 in NFL Top 100

In 2019, Baker Mayfield was ranked as the 50th best player in the league by his peers on the annual Top 100 Players list.

December 6, 2020: Highest Completion Rate Game

On December 6, 2020, Mayfield had a 75.8% completion rate in a win against the Titans while on the Browns. This was his highest completion rate before Week 2 against the Chicago Bears in 2023.

2020: Led Browns to Playoffs

In 2020, Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first playoff victory since 1994.

2020: Mayfield's 2020 Season

In 2020, Mayfield completed 25 of 33 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns against the Titans. Mayfield was named the FedEx Air player of the week for Week 13. Mayfield finished the 2020 regular season 11–5.

2021: NFL Top 100 Players of 2021

In 2021, Baker Mayfield was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

December 6, 2022: Claimed by the Rams

On December 6, 2022, Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams after Matthew Stafford sustained a spinal cord injury. He then led the Rams to a game-winning 98-yard drive against the Las Vegas Raiders and was named the National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

2023: Joined Buccaneers

In 2023, Baker Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the team to two consecutive division titles and a playoff victory. He also earned Pro Bowl honors and set career highs in consecutive years.