Baker Mayfield, a former quarterback for Oklahoma, is invited to the Pro Bowl.

For many fans of college football, the name Baker Mayfield is synonymous with success. His tenure at Oklahoma marked an era of unprecedented offensive dominance, earning him not only the Heisman Trophy but also cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football history. Mayfield’s time at Oklahoma was a spectacle — he was a leader, a playmaker, and someone who had the ability to light up the scoreboard week after week.

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield’s career in the NFL has been a rollercoaster ride. However, his invitation to the 2025 Pro Bowl serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges, his ability to perform on the big stage remains undeniable. Mayfield’s journey, from college superstar to NFL quarterback, has been filled with ups and downs, but his resilience has allowed him to continue to prove himself at the highest level.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Baker Mayfield’s remarkable journey from Oklahoma to the NFL, the significance of his Pro Bowl selection, and what it means for his career moving forward.

1. Baker Mayfield’s College Career: A Legendary Journey at Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield’s college career at Oklahoma was nothing short of spectacular. After initially walking on at Texas Tech and later transferring to Oklahoma, Mayfield quickly made a name for himself under head coach Lincoln Riley. It didn’t take long for Mayfield to become the face of Oklahoma football, leading the Sooners to multiple Big 12 championships and making a series of unforgettable plays in some of college football’s biggest games.

1.1 The Rise of Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma

In 2015, Mayfield’s first year as a starter, he led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff and was named to several All-Big 12 teams. But it was in 2017 and 2018 that Mayfield truly solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in college football history.

In 2017, he led the Sooners to a 12-2 record and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, becoming the first walk-on to do so. That year, he threw for over 4,600 yards, 43 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. His ability to read defenses, make pinpoint throws, and execute under pressure made him nearly impossible to stop. Mayfield’s 2017 performance was particularly impressive, as he led Oklahoma to a dramatic victory in the Rose Bowl, where the Sooners outlasted the Georgia Bulldogs in one of the most thrilling games in college football history.

1.2 Baker Mayfield’s Heisman Trophy Campaign

The 2018 season brought even more success for Mayfield. He finished his college career in style, leading the Sooners to another Big 12 Championship and another College Football Playoff appearance. Mayfield’s numbers in 2018 were even more impressive than his 2017 campaign: 4,925 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. He would go on to win his second consecutive Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award.

In addition to leading Oklahoma to a College Football Playoff berth, Mayfield earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2018, solidifying his place in college football history. He was lauded for his ability to make difficult throws look easy, his leadership, and his mental toughness. Mayfield’s skill set was perfectly suited for the modern NFL, and as his college career ended, the NFL landscape was eagerly awaiting his arrival.

2. The NFL Journey: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns

Following his Heisman-winning 2018 season, Baker Mayfield declared for the NFL Draft. His stock was sky-high, and as the draft approached, many experts believed he would be one of the top picks. Mayfield had the perfect blend of attributes — a strong arm, quick release, accuracy, and an ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His time at Oklahoma had proven that he could lead a high-powered offense and succeed in a fast-paced, pass-heavy scheme.

2.1 Cleveland Browns and the First Overall Pick

In a move that shocked some and delighted others, the Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns had long been the laughingstock of the league, but their decision to go all-in on Mayfield signified a fresh start for the franchise. For years, Cleveland had struggled to find stability at the quarterback position, and Mayfield was seen as the answer to their problems.

In his rookie season, Mayfield showed promise, throwing for over 3,700 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While the Browns finished the season with a 7-8-1 record, there were clear signs that Mayfield could become the quarterback to lead them into the future. His leadership, poise in the pocket, and ability to make throws at all levels of the field gave Cleveland fans hope for the first time in years.

2.2 Up and Down Performance with the Browns

Despite showing promise in his first two seasons, Mayfield’s career with the Browns was filled with inconsistency. While he had moments of brilliance, particularly during his rookie year, he also struggled with injuries and turnovers. The Browns had a loaded roster, but they couldn’t quite find the consistency needed to put everything together. Despite flashes of greatness, the Browns never quite reached the level of success many had expected during Mayfield’s tenure.

Mayfield’s performance became a topic of scrutiny during the 2021 season, especially after Cleveland failed to make the playoffs and had a disappointing record. As the team looked for answers at the quarterback position, Mayfield found himself in a difficult position — injured and facing increasing pressure from the media and fans to prove himself. The Browns, ultimately, decided to part ways with Mayfield after the 2021 season, marking the end of his time in Cleveland.

3. A Fresh Start: Baker Mayfield’s Resurgence in Tampa Bay

After being traded by the Browns, Mayfield had a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers and later the Los Angeles Rams. While his time with these teams offered glimpses of his previous brilliance, he continued to face inconsistency and was unable to secure a permanent starting role. However, in 2024, Mayfield found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he would once again look to prove that he could be the starting quarterback at the NFL level.

Mayfield entered a quarterback competition with Kyle Trask, but it was clear early on that head coach Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers were confident in Mayfield’s ability to lead the offense. With Tom Brady retiring after the 2023 season, Tampa Bay was in search of a new leader under center, and Mayfield’s experience in high-pressure situations made him an ideal candidate for the job.

3.1 A Pro Bowl-Level Performance in 2025

Mayfield’s 2025 campaign with the Buccaneers exceeded expectations. He showcased improved decision-making, greater accuracy, and an overall maturity that hadn’t always been present in his previous seasons. Leading a team with a new offensive system, Mayfield demonstrated poise and confidence, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while cutting down on his turnovers.

His performance earned him a Pro Bowl invitation — a remarkable achievement after years of inconsistency and a tough start to his NFL career. Mayfield’s ability to navigate adversity, work through his struggles, and ultimately return to Pro Bowl-level performance was a testament to his resilience and determination.

4. The Significance of the Pro Bowl Selection

For Baker Mayfield, his Pro Bowl selection in 2025 is not only a career milestone but also a reminder of his growth and potential. In an era of elite quarterbacks, being named to the Pro Bowl is a statement that he belongs among the best of the best. While some may have doubted his ability to maintain success in the NFL, Mayfield’s performance in 2025 proved that he can still play at a high level when given the right circumstances.

Mayfield’s Pro Bowl selection serves as a validation of his talent, especially after the setbacks he faced earlier in his career. It’s also a nod to the hard work he put into refining his game and adapting to the ever-changing nature of the NFL. For a quarterback who was once considered to be inconsistent, his Pro Bowl invitation represents a major step forward in his career trajectory.

4.1 The Impact on His Legacy

Baker Mayfield’s legacy is still being written, but his Pro Bowl selection undoubtedly elevates his place in NFL history. While he may never fully match the meteoric success he had at Oklahoma, Mayfield’s ability to bounce back and prove his doubters wrong adds an important chapter to his story. His Pro Bowl berth may be seen as a redemption story — one where a once highly-touted quarterback, who faced adversity in the NFL, ultimately found success in Tampa Bay.

For fans of the Oklahoma Sooners, Mayfield’s continued success at the professional level is a source of pride. His Pro Bowl selection is a reflection of the quality of players that the Oklahoma program continues to produce and the lasting impact they have in the NFL.