The more the merrier! Baker Mayfield had a storybook end to his 2023 season. If we go chronologically, the quarterback led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the playoffs, finishing the season with career-highs 4044 yards and 28 TDs. He inked a new contract in March. And finally received the blessing of a newborn daughter in April. However, while delighted with these new responsibilities in his life, the 29-year-old revealed that there was one moment before his wife Emily gave birth when he felt helpless.

On the 31st of July, during the Inside Training Camp Live on NFL Network, Mike Garafolo threw a dad-to-dad curveball at Baker Mayfield. “What’s been the hardest part for you that you did not see coming about being a dad?” the reporter asked. After a thoughtful pause, the Bucs’ QB replied that since he was warned about NOT getting proper sleep, he was ‘ready for it’. But just like a surprise blitz, he wasn’t ready to handle the fear of the unknown. He noted, “Not being able to help Emily in the hospital, honestly. For the dad part, I think we are just going with the flow. But being in the hospital and feeling helpless. Like I can’t do anything to help her.” 

Mayfield also admitted there was little he could do at that moment. Yet, keeping the condition of Emily in his mind, he put massive respect for all women who go through this ordeal. He said, “Women are absolute warriors!” Just like facing a fourth-quarter comeback, he recognized the strength and resilience needed to tackle such challenges head-on.

It’s understandable for Mayfield to feel anxious as the waiting game played out. But when their baby girl arrived, it must have felt like winning the Super Bowl. On April 13th, Mayfield and Emily announced their new chapter as parents. Emily revealed on her Instagram story, writing, “Baby girl joined us on Tuesday [9th April 2024] night. Just before 7:30 PM.” The couple welcomed Kova Jade Mayfield, a name as beautiful as the love between her parents.

After breaking the news, Emily followed it up with an adorable picture of her QB hubby holding their newborn with a heartwarming caption. “My heart could explode at any minute, I swear. Bake was born to be a dad,” she wrote. That’s a playbook of pure joy!

But wait, the April baby boom didn’t stop there for the Bucs! Tampa’s OT Tristan Wirfs also welcomed his first child, a boy, Julius Patrick Wirfs, on April 1. And guess what? Tampa’s jersey number 6 shared how their kids’ arrivals have forged a stronger bond between him and Wirfs. Extending it beyond the gridiron!

Baker Mayfield is grateful for friendship with Tristan Wirfs

When Baker Mayfield and Tristan Wirfs took their strollers to the Tampa Bay practice field, it was more than just a parenting moment. Call it a touchdown in friendship! On the NFL Network, Baker shared how fatherhood has tightened their bond. He said, “Honestly, just between Tristan and I, we have become so close. Going through new life stages together, and being able to extend here. It’s just unbelievable. The fact that I get to do it with a best friend is awesome!”

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for these two Bucs. Baker revealed that Wirfs broke the news about his baby boy first, and then he shared the exciting news about his own baby girl. Imagine the surprise play when the QB said, “I found out the night he told me and we hadn’t even told our families yet. So, I was like, ‘I want to, I want to.’ But I can’t.” Talk about a double whammy of joy and camaraderie!

On the gridiron, they both have shone their chemistry as well! Baker Mayfield and Tristan Wirfs form a QB-OT duo that’s hard to beat! Mayfield joined Tom Brady as only the second Buccaneer to throw for over 4,000 yards, 25+ touchdowns, and fewer than 10 picks in a single season. Meanwhile, Wirfs was a fortress, logging 1,233 offensive snaps, allowing just five sacks and six QB hits. The cherry on top? Both stars snagged Pro Bowl spots for their stellar 2023 performances. Talk about a dynamic duo making waves on and off the field!

With these players finding new ways to bond, could this newfound friendship translate into gridiron success? As the Bucs aim for Super Bowl glory, will this bond help them tackle the season with extra grit? Let us know your thoughts.