The former OU quarterback and Heisman winner is launching a new scholarship with his wife Emily to support walk-on college athletes
Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, alongside his wife Emily, has announced the creation of a new scholarship aimed at supporting walk-on college athletes. This initiative reflects the Mayfields’ commitment to giving back to the collegiate sports community and assisting student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication and perseverance.
Baker Mayfield’s journey to the Heisman Trophy was unconventional. After transferring from Texas Tech University, he walked on at the University of Oklahoma, where he eventually earned a scholarship and led the Sooners to numerous victories. His experiences as a walk-on have profoundly influenced his perspective on the challenges faced by student-athletes who are not initially on scholarship.
In a statement, Mayfield expressed, “The hard work and dedication these athletes put in every day and the belief they have in themselves got them this far. I hope this scholarship can help them reach even greater heights in and out of sports by relieving some of the financial pressure of college.”
The scholarship, administered through the Baker Mayfield Foundation, is designed to provide financial assistance to walk-on athletes at the University of Oklahoma. While specific eligibility criteria and application processes have not been fully disclosed, the program aims to alleviate the financial burdens that often accompany the walk-on experience, allowing these athletes to focus more on their academic and athletic commitments.
The Mayfields have emphasized that this initiative is not just about financial support but also about recognizing the hard work and determination of walk-on athletes who contribute significantly to their teams without the benefit of a scholarship.
The introduction of this scholarship is expected to have a significant impact on the University of Oklahoma’s athletic community. It underscores the importance of supporting student-athletes at all levels and highlights the Mayfields’ dedication to fostering an environment where hard work and perseverance are recognized and rewarded.
By providing financial assistance, the scholarship aims to ease the financial challenges faced by walk-on athletes, enabling them to fully engage in their collegiate experience without the added stress of financial constraints.
This scholarship is part of a broader trend among former athletes who seek to give back to the communities that supported them. Similar initiatives have been launched by other sports figures, such as Drew Brees, who announced a scholarship program for walk-on athletes in honor of Jason Kelce’s retirement.
These programs reflect a growing recognition of the challenges faced by walk-on athletes and the desire of former athletes to support the next generation.
As the scholarship program develops, further details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria are expected to be released. The Mayfields’ initiative is anticipated to inspire other former athletes to consider similar programs, contributing to a culture of support and recognition for all student-athletes.
Through this scholarship, Baker and Emily Mayfield are not only honoring the spirit of perseverance that defines walk-on athletes but also ensuring that their legacy extends beyond the football field, leaving a lasting impact on the collegiate sports community.
