Mayfield Reflects on NFL Journey with Darnold
San Francisco – It seems like just yesterday that Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, the top two picks from the 2018 NFL Draft, were vying for the starting position on the Carolina Panthers. Fast-forward a few years, and things have changed quite a bit for all involved.
Mayfield has moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers are making waves in the playoffs with Bryce Young, and Darnold is set to play in this Sunday’s Super Bowl.
In an interview with FOX News Digital during Super Bowl Media Week, Mayfield described the situation as “interesting.” Having experienced a parallel journey to Darnold’s, he genuinely supports him. “I’m really happy for Sam,” he said. “He fought through adversity and got better in an environment that wasn’t easy. He’s found a new home in Seattle, and I hope they can keep nurturing him.”
Reflecting on his time in Carolina, Mayfield acknowledged that not every situation can be ideal. He mentioned the changing dynamics within the team, including coaching staff and management, and emphasized the importance of stability. “You want to build confidence and shift the culture, which can be crucial in development,” he noted.
Mayfield’s own journey has been a rollercoaster. He struggled with the Cleveland Browns, transitioned to the Panthers, and then to the Los Angeles Rams, serving as a backup. Now, he’s taken on the challenge of stepping in for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, and it’s all come together for him.
“Finding the right fit is essential, especially as a quarterback. It’s about being in sync with everyone around you,” he explained. “Even through the ups and downs, don’t lose faith. Learning from each opportunity can lead to good outcomes.”
On a more personal note, Mayfield seems to carry some grudges from his past experiences. He had some critical remarks about former Panthers head coach Steve Wilkes earlier this season, and recently expressed frustrations with current Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. Mayfield reacted to a tweet describing Stefanski’s time in Cleveland, particularly the many quarterbacks he had to manage. While the author claimed Mayfield “failed” with the Browns, he fired back with pointed words regarding his treatment while at the team.
Mayfield feels that in any game situation, whether it’s a friendly rivalry or an intense competition, you want to come out on top, especially against familiar faces. “As a competitor, losing hurts more when it’s someone you know well,” he said.
While he has expressed that teammates reached out to Stefanski after he took the job with a rival team, Mayfield seems more focused on the future. “February is just the beginning,” he mentioned, indicating that there’s still much ahead in the season.
Interestingly, Mayfield has also rekindled a connection with one of his childhood favorites, Sonic. He recently teamed up with the fast food brand in what feels like a nostalgic full-circle moment. “Sonic was a big part of growing up in Texas,” he reminisced. “It was where we spent time when there wasn’t much else to do.” He fondly recalled his dad dropping off Sonic for lunch back in elementary school, something that made him the envy of his classmates.
This past season marked the first time the Buccaneers missed the playoffs since Tom Brady joined the team. Now, as the season unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see how the competition plays out, especially against Darnold and the Panthers. “I’m definitely supporting my team, but I can’t control the outcome,” Mayfield said, sounding a bit conflicted.
With hopes for a healthier offensive line and the potential of players like Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, he’s feeling optimistic. “It starts with the foundation,” he emphasized. “Having the right guys in the trenches makes a huge difference. If we come together, we could really change things for the better.”
Mayfield’s insights offer a glimpse into the challenges and dynamics of the NFL while also capturing his personal journey filled with growth and resilience.
