For the first time in his career, Baker Mayfield has been nominated for one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors.
It was just announced on today that Baker Mayfield was the Bucs‘ nomination for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The award recognizes players who do outstanding work in terms of community service and outreach, as well as their play on the field.
“Being recognized for this award alongside the best in our league is an extraordinary honor,” Mayfield said on the honor of being nominated. “Our responsibility as professional athletes and NFL players extends far beyond what we do on the field, and it is incredibly humbling to be considered for Walter Payton Man of the Year.”
Mayfield’s Expanding Impact in the Tampa Community
Ever since Mayfield stepped foot in Tampa, he has been helping the community in every way he possibly can. in 2023, he and his wife founded the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, set to help empower early childhood learning. They raised over 600,000 dollars with their first event alone for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
Mayfield’s outreach doesn’t just extend to childhood learning, but to helping student athletes as well. When he saw that a Florida school was short on equipment, he donated 17,00 dollars’ worth to help them get new shoulder pads and helmets for their players. As a result, the school was able to turn Mayfield’s act of kindness into success on the football field, winning the state championship in their division.
Furthermore, Mayfield’s foundation has a “Walk On Scholarship” to provide for walk-on student athletes as they seek assistance on their journeys. Thus far, two $10,000 scholarships have awarded, which are redeemable over three years for the recipients.
Excellence On and Off the Field
Most impressively has been Mayfield’s continued support in times of crisis. When a devastating hurricane season swept the Tampa area, Mayfield donated 50,000 dollars to help aid relief efforts. Furthermore, his continued work for non-profit organization Meals on Wheels has extended throughout his career and has been a huge part of his outreach. Lastly, he has been a vocal advocate for the Special Olympics and specifically disabled athletes just looking for a chance to compete.
All of this is backed up by Mayfield’s continued excellence on the field for the Bucs as well. He is already one of the great QBs in franchise history, the first to be named to multiple Pro Bowls, setting the franchise record for completion percentage and passer rating in the process as well.
In 2024, Mayfield also became just the fourth QB in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards, 40+ touchdowns, and have a 70% and above passer rating. Only Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Joe Burrow had done it before him.
The winner of the award will receive 250,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. As the Bucs’ nomination for this year, Mayfield already has received a 40,000 donation.
Fans are encouraged to vote on X or on NFL.com/ManoftheYar for their club winner. Bucs fans are hoping Mayfield can become the second winner in franchise history.
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