How Long Has Baker Mayfield Been In The NFL?
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It’s been two years since Baker Mayfield was drafted into the NFL. In that time, he’s made quite a name for himself. Here’s a look at his career so far.
NFL Career
Baker Mayfield was drafted number one overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield played college football at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. After a successful rookie season, Mayfield has established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.
Drafted by the Browns
In 2018, Baker Mayfield was drafted by the Browns, making him the first overall draft pick that year. He became the Browns’ starting quarterback in week 3 of his rookie season. In his first season, he set the NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback. He was also named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Rookie season
Prior to the start of the 2018 NFL season, Mayfield was named the Browns starting quarterback, making him the first overall pick in a draft to start in Week 1 as a rookie since JaMarcus Russell did so with the Oakland Raiders in 2007. In his NFL debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he completed 21-of-34 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 21–21 tie. The following week, against the New York Jets, he recorded his first career win after going 17-for-23 for 201 yards and one touchdown in a 21–17 victory. Mayfield subsequently led the Browns to their first victory in 19 games, snapping a 735-day winless streak dating back to December 2016. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Jets. Mayfield helped lead the Browns to three consecutive victories for the first time since 2011 and was subsequently named the NFL Rookie of the Month for September/October.
First win
Baker Mayfield’s first career win came in his third start, a 28-16 road victory over the Jets. It was a special moment for the young quarterback, who had battled hard to get to that point. After all, he was the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and there had been immense pressure on him to perform well from the start.
In that game against the Jets, Mayfield completed 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score. It was a strong performance that showcased his potential. From that point on, it was clear that Mayfield was going to be a star in the NFL.
He would go on to have a stellar rookie season, setting numerous records along the way. He would also win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
College Career
Baker Mayfield played college football at Texas Tech University from 2013 to 2014 and at the University of Oklahoma from 2015 to 2017.
University of Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football each year. It was first awarded in 1935 and is named after John Heisman, who was a prominent coach at the time. Baker Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy in 2017, becoming the sixth Oklahoma Sooners player to do so.
High School Career
Baker Mayfield played high school football for Lake Travis High School. As a senior, he was named the District 25-4A Most Valuable Player. He was also a three-time first-team all-district honoree. In his high school career, Baker Mayfield compiled 7,527 passing yards and 93 touchdowns.
Lake Travis High School
Baker Mayfield began his high school career at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. He played football and baseball, and was a member of the National Honor Society. As a sophomore, he was named the District 25-4A Newcomer of the Year after throwing for 2,315 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Mayfield continued to improve as a junior, completing 116 of 213 passes for 1,833 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was named Honorable Mention All-State and District 25-4A Offensive Player of the Year. As a senior, he led Lake Travis to the Class 4A Division I state championship while throwing for 3,419 yards and 42 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He was named the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors 4A Player of the Year and was a finalist for Mr. Texas Football.
State championships
Baker Mayfield led his high school team to two state championships in his junior and senior years. He was a three-time All-State selection and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Oklahoma as a senior.