Oklahoma Legend Baker Mayfield Honors Toby Keith, Says ‘His Legacy Will Forever Carry On’ Following Country Icon’s Passing

The worlds of football and country music collided in a wave of emotion and nostalgia as Oklahoma football legend Baker Mayfield paid tribute to country icon and proud Sooner fan Toby Keith, following the news of Keith’s passing. For Mayfield, who has become a household name in both college and professional football, honoring Keith’s memory was not just a matter of celebrity respect—it was deeply personal and rooted in shared pride for Oklahoma.

The two Oklahoma giants—one from the gridiron and the other from the stage—represented the very soul of the Sooner State, each carving legacies that extended far beyond the boundaries of their respective crafts. And now, with the loss of Keith, Mayfield is helping lead the chorus of appreciation for a man whose music, charisma, and commitment to Oklahoma never wavered.

A Shared Bond Through Oklahoma Roots

Mayfield, a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most beloved quarterbacks in Oklahoma history, spoke candidly about the bond he felt with Keith. “Toby was more than just a country music star,” Mayfield said in a statement shared with fans. “He embodied the Oklahoma spirit—tough, proud, loyal, and passionate. His legacy will forever carry on, not just through his music, but through every Oklahoman who was touched by his authenticity.”

Keith, who passed away after a private battle with stomach cancer, was a staple in the Oklahoma sports scene. He was regularly seen on the sidelines at Sooners games, donning crimson and cream with pride. His support wasn’t just for show—Keith was known to be close friends with several former players, coaches, and university figures, and his love for the Sooners was evident in both his music and public persona.

For Mayfield, who grew up listening to Keith’s music and eventually came to know him personally, the loss cuts deep. “He believed in us. He believed in what Oklahoma football stood for. And he never let the world forget where he came from.”

Toby Keith’s Lasting Impact on Sooner Nation

Toby Keith’s connection to the University of Oklahoma extended beyond fandom. He performed at numerous OU events, contributed financially to athletic programs, and often used his platform to uplift the school and the state. His hit song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” became something of an anthem in Norman, a reminder of old-school grit and swagger.

Keith’s pride in being an Oklahoman was legendary, and it resonated with Mayfield’s own journey. After transferring from Texas Tech, Mayfield walked on at Oklahoma and became one of the greatest quarterbacks in program history. His underdog story echoed Keith’s rise in the music industry—both men driven by confidence, resilience, and an unshakable love for their roots.

“It’s rare to see someone embrace where they’re from the way Toby did,” Mayfield continued. “He wasn’t chasing the spotlight. He was shining it on Oklahoma—on our people, our values, and our traditions.”

Emotional Tributes Pour In from Across Sports and Entertainment

Mayfield wasn’t the only Sooner legend to speak up. Former coach Bob Stoops, athletic director Joe Castiglione, and current players all shared their respects online. But it was Mayfield’s heartfelt words that captured the mood of a grieving fanbase.

“He made us proud to be from here,” Mayfield said. “When you heard Toby Keith, you felt like you were home. Whether you were in Los Angeles, New York, or back in Norman, his music brought you back to the red dirt roads of Oklahoma.”

Mayfield also shared a touching social media tribute, posting a photo of the two laughing on the sidelines of an OU game with the caption: “Legends don’t die, they inspire generations. Rest easy, brother.”

Continuing the Legacy

In the wake of Keith’s death, discussions have emerged among OU alumni and boosters about honoring the country singer in a more permanent way—possibly through a statue on campus or naming a section of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in his honor.

Mayfield expressed support for such gestures, stating, “Toby gave back to this university, this state, and its people in ways most never saw. He deserves to be remembered here forever.”

Mayfield himself has embodied many of the same values Keith stood for—resilience, grit, loyalty, and a bit of brash confidence. It’s no wonder the two connected. And now, with Keith gone, Mayfield appears ready to take up the torch, using his own platform to keep the spirit of Oklahoma—and Keith’s contributions to it—alive.

Remembering Their Most Memorable Meeting

One of the most shared stories following Keith’s death was a meeting between the two legends during the 2017 season. After a game-winning performance by Mayfield against Ohio State, Keith surprised him in the locker room. Cameras captured the moment as the two embraced, and Keith gave Mayfield a subtle nod—approval from one Oklahoma legend to another.

“It meant the world to me,” Mayfield reflected. “He didn’t say much. Just smiled and said, ‘Keep making us proud.’ That stuck with me.”

Music, Football, and Oklahoma Pride

It’s no exaggeration to say that Toby Keith and Baker Mayfield were two of the loudest ambassadors for Oklahoma in the national spotlight. Keith sang about American pride and small-town grit, while Mayfield played with fire and fearlessness that made Sooners fans roar.

Both also dealt with their share of critics—Keith for his unabashed patriotism and political stances, and Mayfield for his cocky demeanor and brash on-field celebrations. But they were unapologetically themselves, and they never forgot where they came from.

“There’s a freedom in being who you are,” Mayfield said. “Toby taught us that. And if you’re from Oklahoma, you understand that freedom comes with a responsibility—to lift others up with you.”

What Comes Next

In addition to a potential stadium tribute, Mayfield hinted that he may partner with the university to launch a memorial scholarship or charitable initiative in Keith’s name. “He always believed in giving back. So we’ll make sure that giving continues in his honor,” Mayfield stated.

For now, though, it’s about mourning, remembering, and playing the music a little louder.

“He was one of us,” Mayfield concluded. “And now it’s our turn to make sure his legacy carries on. Through football. Through music. Through pride. That’s the Oklahoma way.

In a time when communities often need symbols of resilience and unity, the stories and legacies of people like Toby Keith and Baker Mayfield offer comfort and inspiration. As Mayfield carries on with his NFL career, and as Oklahoma football continues to build toward its future, the memory of Keith’s voice, his support, and his love for the Sooners will remain a cherished part of the program’s cultural heartbeat.

And thanks to voices like Mayfield’s, it’s clear: Toby Keith may be gone, but his Oklahoma story is far from over.