Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has reignited an old grudge in the NFL with a pointed and resentful message on X. Mayfield replied directly to a post from Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist D. Orlando Ledbetter, who described Kevin Stefanski‘s time with the Cleveland Browns as featuring a “dumpster fire” at quarterback, labeling Mayfield and Deshaun Watson as “failures.”
Mayfield’s tweet was sharp and unequivocal: “Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.” The post quickly garnered over 47,000 likes and millions of views within hours, making it clear that the bitterness toward his former Cleveland coach-Kevin Stefanski-remains strong. The backstory dates back to 2022, when the Browns traded Mayfield-the No. 1 overall pick in 2018-to the Carolina Panthers to make room for Deshaun Watson, acquired in a blockbuster deal and signed to a record $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
Mayfield had led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020 (including a win), helping Stefanski earn Coach of the Year honors. However, injuries, inconsistency, and Watson’s arrival led to a sudden and unceremonious end. Mayfield has repeatedly said he felt discarded “like garbage” without any personal outreach or text from Stefanski after the trade. The plot thickened dramatically with Stefanski’s recent hiring as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (same NFC South division as the Buccaneers), meaning Mayfield will now face him twice per season in divisional matchups.
The line “Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach” strongly implies extra motivation fueled by lingering resentment. Sources like Yahoo Sports, Yardbarker, Sporting News, and Bleacher Report all highlight the “animosity” from Mayfield’s side, noting how he thrives on “spite” and has referenced his fiery college celebrations as evidence of his competitive edge.
No text, no call, but plenty of motivation to beat Stefanski twice a year
Mayfield has rebuilt his career successfully: after stints with the Panthers and Rams, he found stability in Tampa Bay, earning Pro Bowl honors and elevating his performance. Meanwhile, Stefanski continued racking up accolades (another Coach of the Year nod), but the quarterback sees these upcoming games as a chance for sweet “revenge” on the field.
This isn’t just about football matchups-it’s deeply personal. Mayfield suggests he never received closure or respect after being traded, and now, sharing a division, he has the platform to prove his point through performance. The 2026 NFC South season just got a lot spicier. For a spite-fueled Mayfield, games against Atlanta won’t be routine rivals-they’ll be a long-overdue settling of scores from Cleveland. The NFL thrives on these storylines, and this one promises fireworks every time they clash.
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