NFL players giving back? Now, that’s something we all love to see. Sure, they’ve got hefty paychecks, but what matters is when they choose to invest in the heart of the community and the Bucs’ Baker Mayfield took it a step further. When the Space Coast Vipers were staring down the barrel of turning kids away due to lack of equipment, the Mayfields didn’t hesitate. He and his wife, Emily, stepped in, and boy, has it paid off.

Back in September, the Space Coast High School were struggling on and off the field. They were coming off a rough 1-8 season last year and were in dire of some new equipment. So a parent of one of the team’s players decided to seek help from the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation. The nonprofit foundation’s website says “provide programs, scholarships, and philanthropic opportunities to help others tackle life’s challenges in order to BE the best version of themselves.” And that is what they did exactly.

Before the season got underway, the school received a $17,900 donation—enough to outfit the whole squad with new gear. Following this, the Vipers have found their way to the first-ever State Championship. Yes, sir, they’re heading to the SSAA 1A State Championship for the very first time.

This is some story. Worthy of a film script. Head Coach Jake Owens couldn’t contain his pride. “I’m very proud of all our players and coaches for their hard work, commitment, effort, and dedication to build and bring back an incredible Viper culture,” he said. The team now stands at a solid 9-3 and is ready to go all out for the title.

And the Mayfield Foundation? They’re here for it. A spokesperson shared, “After hearing that a local high school might have to turn kids away due to lack of equipment, the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation knew they had to step in.” This isn’t just a one-time thing, either. The Mayfields are in it for the long haul, committed to helping those who show resilience, grit, and heart—whether it’s on the field or off.

The team needed new helmets and shoulder pads and thanks to the donation from the Baker and Emily Foundation they were able to make those purchases in what was a complete equipment overhaul for the program.

After receiving the funds, Owens and several other players showed their gratitude to the couple in a four-minute video. “We are very grateful and appreciative, obviously. I think it’s amazing that they are using their platform for positivity and supporting people. We are so appreciative; I can’t even think of the words to describe it,” Owens said in the video.

So, props to the Mayfields for seeing the potential in these young players and giving them the chance to go from setbacks to come back season. This is something we have come to expect from Mayfield, who also donated $50,000 to Team Rubicon in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene which made landfall on September 26 in Florida.

On the field, his exploits are earning praise from the GOAT himself.

Baker Mayfield: Tampa’s Lone Wolf

Well, not exactly a praise of character, but an appreciation of a play. Tom Brady loved it when Baker Mayfield was pulling the rabbit out of the hat against the 49ers. Sure, the Bucs lost the game. But it was the day Baker earned the deserved respect.

Now in the Fox Sports booth, Brady called the play late in the game “one of the best plays I’ve ever seen a quarterback make.” And yeah, that’s coming from a guy with seven rings. The play? Fourth-and-7, less than two minutes left, and the Bucs trailing by three. It’s do-or-die, and Nick Bosa is coming for Baker like a freight train.

But Mayfield wasn’t about to fold. With Bosa all over him, he somehow stiff-arms the All-Pro, stayed on his feet, and delivered a dart to Rachaad White for the first down. Fans went wild, Brady was stunned, and Kevin Burkhardt was left singing similar praises as well. You could feel the electricity in Raymond James Stadium—and this time, it wasn’t just for the Bucs.

Mayfield had 116 yards, 18 of 29 passing, and one TD in the game. Not mind-blowing, but that one play was pure magic. It was so good that Brady did not let their little rift from early on come in the way. But these mind-blowing moments can only take the Bucs so far. They are now 4-6. Baker can keep doing what he is, but the team has to respond and pronto if the playoff is the end goal.