Baker Mayfield: Baker Mayfield says he hit “Rock Bottom” before faith helped save his marriage and career | NFL News

Baker Mayfield has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, but his latest revelation might be his most personal yet. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback recently opened up about hitting rock bottom—both in his career and marriage—before finding solace in faith. In a candid moment, Mayfield admitted that his identity was solely wrapped up in being a football player, and when his career started to crumble, so did everything else in his life.

Baker Mayfield’s career was falling apart and so was his marriage

Mayfield’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster. From being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to struggling with injuries, inconsistent play, and bouncing between teams, his career seemed to be spiraling. By 2022, he had gone from being the face of the Cleveland Browns to playing backup roles with multiple teams.
Off the field, things weren’t any easier. His marriage to Emily Wilkinson was facing challenges, especially as they struggled to start a family. The mounting pressure of professional uncertainty combined with personal struggles left Mayfield feeling lost. He admitted that this period forced him to confront the fact that he had placed his entire identity in football.
“God taught me a lesson. He had to take my career down to the studs and make me realize that I’m more than a football player.”
In the midst of his struggles, Mayfield turned to faith. He and Emily attended a faith-based marriage conference, which became a transformative experience for them. He described it as a much-needed “reset” that not only helped strengthen their relationship but also allowed him to see himself as more than just a football player.
Mayfield spoke about how faith helped him realign his priorities, realizing that his worth wasn’t solely tied to his performance on the field. Instead of focusing on external pressures, he started embracing a deeper sense of purpose that extended beyond football.

Baker Mayfield’s comeback in the NFL and his marriage is what dreams are made of

Following this change of heart, Mayfield discovered new horizons. Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was offered a second contract and a three-year deal worth as much as $100 million, which was a vote of confidence in his improved on-field performance and leadership and it reflected on his play. He played with a sense of newfound confidence, establishing that he could still be a dependable leader on the field. His better play wasn’t merely about ability—it was about a change of mind that enabled him to play freely without the burden of previous failures inhibiting him.
At the same time, his marriage with Emily was stronger than ever. With faith serving as their anchor, the couple braved their challenges side by side, emerging stronger than before with a renewed commitment and support for each other.
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