He is finding redemption in faith.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, shared how hitting “rock bottom” led him to develop a deeper appreciation for his faith in Jesus Christ. Now, he focuses on instilling those values in younger athletes. During an interview on “The Sports Spectrum Podcast,” Mayfield, 29, opened up about his spiritual journey, reflecting on how he rarely attended church as a child and viewed faith as something connected only to holidays like Christmas and Easter.
Mayfield explained that his childhood understanding of Christianity was limited to doing good deeds and being a good person. However, his time at the University of Oklahoma was pivotal in changing his perspective on faith. There, he met Pastor Adam Starling, who helped him realize that he didn’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out. Starling’s teachings about being born sinners and saved by grace resonated with Mayfield, though it wasn’t until later that he fully embraced his faith, especially after joining the NFL.
His relationship with God deepened in 2020 when he joined Professional Athletes Outreach with his wife, Emily Wilkinson, while playing for the Cleveland Browns. He described feeling empty despite his career achievements, recognizing that his identity had been tied to being a football player. Mayfield’s faith journey intensified after facing setbacks, including losing his starting quarterback position with the Browns in 2022 and moving between teams before joining the Buccaneers in 2023. He credits this period of adversity as a crucial turning point in his faith, teaching him that there is more to life than football.
Mayfield also revealed how his struggles extended beyond his career and into his marriage, as he and his wife faced challenges while trying to start a family. It was during this difficult time that he turned to his faith more deeply, learning to accept grace and seeing life from a different perspective. He emphasized that maintaining a strong faith requires constant effort and alignment of priorities, realizing that God’s timing is perfect and that his personal and professional growth were rooted in his faith.
Today, Mayfield hopes to use the lessons he’s learned to guide younger athletes, teaching them the importance of faith in finding fulfillment. He credits his wife’s unwavering faith for helping him through tough times, and their shared journey has strengthened their relationship. Through it all, Mayfield has come to understand that his calling goes beyond football, as he now strives to inspire others and create a positive culture on and off the field.