Baker Mayfield has emerged as a key leader for his Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his path to NFL stability was far from smooth as much of his success comes from the support of the quarterback’s wife, Emily.
Mayfield acknowledges the vital role Emily played for helping him stay grounded during the more turbulent periods of his career. He recently said he likely would not have reached his current level without her guidance and encouragement.
The couple first met in 2017 through a mutual friend. Baker, then transferring from Texas Tech to Oklahoma, was immediately taken by her, according to ESPN’s Mina Kimes. Their connection developed quickly despite early hurdles.
In an interview on Monday Night Countdown, the 30-year-old explained how a friend named Patrick initially asked Emily if Baker could have her number. After some persisting, Emily finally relented.
“The entire time he was asking questions about me, about my family. It was not the Baker show,” Emily said of their first lunch together.
That first meeting left a lasting impression on both. Emily admired Baker’s genuine interest in her life, while he became convinced he would one day marry her, marking the start of a lasting partnership.
Now happily married with a young daughter, Emily praises Baker’s softer side. “He’s such a softie,” she said, adding she “knew he’d be a good dad,” highlighting a side of the quarterback rarely seen on the field.
Mayfield has also embraced his vulnerability over the past few years. While fiery and competitive during games, he has learned to balance that intensity with reflection, especially after earlier setbacks in his career.
Those setbacks included a rocky tenure with the Cleveland Browns, where the organization ultimately moved on from him, and brief stints with the Panthers and Rams before arriving in Tampa Bay.
There, Mayfield has flourished, taking on the role of long-term successor to Tom Brady as the stability and confidence he gained off the field, particularly from Emily, has been essential in revitalizing his career.
Who do the Buccaneers play in Week 8? Date, time and where to watch
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 on Sunday, October 27, at 13:00 ET/10:00 PT at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin as Mayfield takes on Jordan Love.
Fans can watch live on FOX or stream via the NFL app and NFL+ for on-the-go coverage. Baker’s leadership will be crucial in this matchup with his depleted offensive corps, receiving the news that Mike Evans is injured for most of the year.
The Buccaneers currently lead the NFC South with a 5-2 record ahead of the 4-3 Panthers and 3-3 Atlanta Falcons, with a total of 174 points scored this campaign – the most in the division.
The Packers enter with a 4-1-1 record as they lead the NFC North ahead of the Detroit Lions, after trading for Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in August.
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