Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield opened up about being a journeyman in the NFL, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that come with being a part of multiple teams in the league.
Mayfield, who was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, has had a unique journey in the NFL. After a successful rookie season, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, where he has found a new home and a new sense of purpose.
In a recent interview, Mayfield spoke candidly about his experience as a journeyman in the NFL, saying, “It’s not easy being traded or moving from team to team, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn and grow as a player and as a person.”
Mayfield’s journey began when he was drafted by the Browns, a team that had been struggling for years. He quickly became a fan favorite and showed great promise on the field. However, after a coaching change and a series of losses, Mayfield found himself on the trading block.
“It was tough to leave Cleveland, a place that had become my home and where I had built strong relationships with my teammates and the fans,” Mayfield shared. “But I knew that this was a part of the business, and I had to embrace the change and make the most of it.”
Mayfield’s positive attitude and determination to succeed have been evident in his performance with the Buccaneers. He has quickly adapted to the new team and has become a leader on and off the field.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Buccaneers organization,” Mayfield said. “I have been welcomed with open arms, and I am excited to be a part of this talented team.”
Mayfield’s journey as a journeyman has not been without its challenges. Moving to a new team means having to learn a new playbook, adjust to a new coaching style, and build chemistry with new teammates. But Mayfield has taken it all in stride and has used it as motivation to improve his game.
“I have learned so much from my time with different teams,” Mayfield shared. “Each team has its own culture and way of doing things, and I have been able to take bits and pieces from each experience to become a better player.”
Mayfield’s journey has also taught him the importance of resilience and perseverance. He has faced criticism and doubts from the media and fans, but he has never let it affect his performance on the field.
“I have learned to block out the noise and focus on what I can control,” Mayfield said. “I have a job to do, and I am determined to do it to the best of my ability, no matter what team I am playing for.”
Mayfield’s journey as a journeyman has also given him a unique perspective on the NFL and the business side of the sport. He understands that trades and moves are a part of the game, and he is prepared to embrace them if they come his way in the future.
“I have learned to never get too comfortable in one place,” Mayfield said. “The NFL is a constantly evolving league, and as players, we have to be ready for anything that comes our way.”
Mayfield’s journey as a journeyman has also been a source of inspiration for many young players who may find themselves in a similar situation. He encourages them to stay positive and focused on their goals, no matter what challenges they may face.
“Being a journeyman in the NFL has taught me to be adaptable and resilient,” Mayfield said. “I hope my journey can inspire others to never give up and to always keep pushing towards their dreams.”
As Mayfield continues to thrive with the Buccaneers, it is clear that his journey as a journeyman has only made him a stronger and more determined player. He has embraced the challenges and has used them to fuel his passion for the game.
Mayfield’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the road to success may not be a straight line, but it is the bumps and detours that make the journey worthwhile. And for Mayfield, his journey as a journeyman has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it takes him next.
