Imagine stepping into the shoes of a starting quarterback for a team that once had the greatest QB of all time leading the charge. It’s just like driving a big truck on the highway—you understand your roles, pressure, and expectations because the crown is heavy. This is the exact situation of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB.

Baker Mayfield replaced legendary player Tom Brady, who led the Bucs to win Super Bowl LV. However, pressure has got nothing on Mayfield as he has now become habitual of playing under pressure. He said, “Honestly, winning is the most important thing for a quarterback”.

And since everyone is comparing Baker Mayfield and Tom Brady, Bucs HC Todd Bowles has something interesting to say! Bowles knew from the start what he was signing up for! He stated, “He was the complete opposite of Tom, which is a good thing. Because if you get somebody similar, they’re going to be comparing him and you’re screwed.” He understood how the bold, straightforward kid from the 2018 draft became a fighter and mature guy who suffered injuries, took the crown in a playoff match, and was full of fire in the league.

The former NFL player strongly believes that the NFL is the kind of game that humbles and matures players. He believes the Buccaneers QB sees the game through the right lens. Bowles appreciates how Mayfield was himself and made everyone comfortable since day one. And not only Todd but the Bucs squad also have a different perspective on it!

Baker Mayfield has won over the Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield joined the Tamba Bay Buccaneers squad in 2023 and soon became a crowd-pleaser. Talking about his best friend, the team’s left tackle Tristan Wirfs said, “Just being able to hang out with Baker outside the facility and do things together, for us, it was something we didn’t have before and we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is awesome. This is fun’.”The left tackle mentioned how Robert Hainsey and he couldn’t hang out with Brady because he was a superstar.

Even Jordan Whitehead joined Wirfs and Hainsey to pat on Mayfield’s back. Whitehead mentioned how the QB is a great team leader and does everything for the team. “Baker’s a competitor,” he stated. And not only the team but even Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht also appreciated Baker for appealing to all kinds of players and fans. Licht said, “He won over the entire city.” 

With Baker Mayfield stealing hearts on and off-field, it is yet to be seen how the NFL season goes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!