Every year, the NFL honors one player whose impact off the field matches the excellence they bring on it. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award isn’t about stats or highlight reels - it’s about leadership, compassion, and using the game’s biggest platform to make a real difference in people’s lives. This season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have tapped quarterback Baker Mayfield as their nominee, and it’s a recognition that speaks volumes about the man behind the helmet.
It’s the first time Mayfield has been nominated for the award in his career, and if he were to win, he’d become just the second player in Bucs history to take home the honor - joining franchise legend Derrick Brooks, who earned it back in 2000. That’s elite company, and Mayfield’s resume off the field is starting to look just as impressive as what he’s done between the lines.
“Being recognized for this award alongside the best in our league is an extraordinary honor,” Mayfield said. “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. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference through this platform and to help others overcome whatever challenges they may be facing.”
Since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023, Mayfield has wasted no time embedding himself in the community. Through the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation, he’s been a driving force behind several major philanthropic efforts.
One of the standout initiatives was the “Be the Ball” Topgolf tournament - a fun, high-energy event that’s raised nearly $600,000 over the past three years for youth-service organizations in the Tampa Bay area. That kind of sustained impact doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the product of real commitment.
But Mayfield’s giving goes beyond the big events. One of the most memorable moments came when he quietly stepped in to help a Florida high school football team in crisis.
The Space Coast Vipers were on the brink of canceling their season due to a lack of equipment. Mayfield covered the cost - nearly $18,000 - for helmets and shoulder pads.
The result? The Vipers didn’t just play - they went on to win their first-ever state title in 2024.
That’s the kind of story that sticks with a community.
Mayfield also responded quickly and generously when Hurricane Helene struck Florida in 2024. Partnering with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, he donated $50,000 to support relief efforts in the wake of the storm’s devastation. In a time when many were struggling to recover, Mayfield showed up - not just with words, but with action.
And earlier this year, the foundation launched the Walk On Scholarship, awarding $10,000 to walk-on student-athletes - a nod to Mayfield’s own journey from college walk-on to NFL starter. It’s a full-circle moment that reinforces his understanding of what it means to fight for your shot, and his desire to help others get theirs.
On the field, Mayfield has delivered some of the best football of his career since joining the Bucs, leading the team to the playoffs in each of his seasons under center. But what’s made him a true fan favorite in Tampa Bay isn’t just the touchdowns or the wins - it’s the heart he’s shown off the field. Whether it’s helping a high school team chase their dreams, supporting disaster relief, or investing in the next generation of athletes, Mayfield has embraced the city and its people in a way that goes far beyond football.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award isn’t just about what a player gives - it’s about how they lead, how they inspire, and how they use their platform for good. In Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield is doing all of that and more.