After Years of the “Bad Teammate” Rep, Baker Mayfield Gets His Name Cleared From Inside the Locker Room

Baker Mayfield has struggled to establish himself ever since he came into the NFL. One of the key criticisms he has faced over the years is that he is a bad teammate but that may all have been just rumored. The QB has gotten his name cleared from inside the locker room after years of a bad reputation.

Mayfield has joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a replacement for Tom Brady. He has big shoes to fill. Just in time, he now cleared his name of the accusations of being a bad teammate. An ex-teammate has come out in defense of the QB and clearing his name of any rumors that might’ve put him in the wrong light.

Ex-teammate defends Baker Mayfield

Just as he is getting ready to gel into his new team, Baker Mayfield has got a shot in the arm. His ex-teammate and Las Vegas Raiders TE Austin Hopper has rubbished the claims that the QB isn’t a good influence in the locker room. Hooper gave his reason for such rumors coming out.

“Everything that came out about him, there was nothing from the guys on the team. Just once decisions were made, certain people in the building had to justify their decision. He’s never had any issues with anybody in the locker room. He’s a great teammate, he’s a good dude. Always checks in with everyone and, I mean, you’ve seen him. He’s the type of dude that can hop in and assimilate with any locker room,” Hooper told Jim Rome of CBS Sports.

Hooper admitted that his former Cleveland Browns teammate had a habit of running his mouth a bit. But according to him, that was exactly why the QB’s teammates loved him.

“I mean yeah he’ll chirp a little bit but that’s a part of it and that’s why the guys love him,” Hooper said.

Read More: Buccaneers Make New Announcement on Tom Brady’s Replacement Baker Mayfield

The rumors of him not being a good teammate came around the time of his exit from the Browns. Since then, the QB has suited up for two different teams in the space of a year. He’s ready to start for the third team since the last off-season when the 2023 season kicks off.

Another shot at redemption?

Baker Mayfield hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being the first overall pick. 2023 will be a crucial season for the QB as he has got a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. That means he’ll have to prove himself to get a long-term deal.

Mayfield has shown glimpses of his genius since his debut in 2018. Who can forget his first game as the Los Angeles Rams QB last season? But he will have to be consistent to prove himself an able replacement for seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.

Will Mayfield be able to take the pressure? That is a question for the future. Whatever might happen in the future, he shouldn’t be termed a ‘bad teammate’ anymore.

WATCH THIS STORY – “Baker Mayfield, Possible Successor to NFL GOAT Tom Brady, Reflects on Rams Super Bowl Loss as a Valuable Experience”