How Baker Mayfield's trash-talking has become synonymous with Buccaneers QB

If you didn't know better, you might think Baker Mayfield has long been one of the NFL's most beloved quarterbacks.

Mayfield's started his career as a pariah, but his fall from grace, resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and relentless effort have given him a cult-like following after entering the NFL as a polarizing figure.

When he won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, Mayfield had a reputation for loud and confident, to the point that he rubbed many fans the wrong way. While his reputation has changed for the better, Mayfield hasn't stopped trash-talking opponents in the right situations.

Here's what you need to know about Mayfield's history of trash talk.

MORE: Baker Mayfield's career timeline

Why does Baker Mayfield trash talk?

Mayfield told ESPN that he started trash-talking "way back when," as early as first grade, because he grew up an Oklahoma fan in Texas Longhorns country.

It's no surprise Mayfield has maintained that passion and energy during his rise to NFL stardom. After all, he was counted out as a walk-on at the collegiate level, went on to win a Heisman Trophy, and then re-emerged as a franchise quarterback in the NFL after nearly falling out of the league.

After his brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, Mayfield said trash-talking and playing with confidence are what allow him to thrive.

"When I’m having fun, talking trash and enjoying it, that’s when I’m at my best. Yeah, I needed that," he said of his time with the Rams.

Mayfield's confidence is certainly legitimate, but he uses trash-talk as a tool to play his best football. He isn't unaware of how that mentality damaged his reputation early in his career.

Mayfield told reporters in October 2025 that he was amused about how his trash-talk was labeled as "cocky" when he was younger. "Now it's moxie, 'he's a dog,'" he said, perhaps half-jokingly.

Baker Mayfield on changing perceptions of him: “Early on in my career it was ‘cocky, immature.’ Now it’s ‘moxie’ and ‘he’s a dog.’ Same sh— different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative, but you’ve just gotta be yourself, and I’ve always been like that.” pic.twitter.com/0oNSiPmg3b

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 8, 2025

From a fiery but dominant starter at Oklahoma in his early 20s to a humbled NFL veteran in his early 30s who hit rock bottom only to rise again, Mayfield's reputation has changed — but his mentality hasn't. 

MORE: Revisiting Baker Mayfield's NFL debut with Browns

Baker Mayfield trash talk highlights

Ohio State flag plant

For all of his ups and downs in the NFL, one of Mayfield's career highlights remains his flag plant at Ohio Stadium. NFL fans may view him through a much different lens than they once did, but Mayfield likely remains someone many Buckeyes fans root against.

Mayfield antagonizes Jaguars defense

Mayfield's best season in Cleveland included this hilarious moment against the Jacksonville Jaguars:

— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) November 29, 2020

MORE: What is a catch in the NFL? Explaining NFL's controversial rule

Skirmish with C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The legend of Mayfield grew in 2025 when he appeared to be injured at the end of a run against the Houston Texans, but he instead quickly stood up and got in the face of notorious trash-talker C.J. Gardner-Johnson. 

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 16, 2025

Mayfield chirps at Seahawks fan

Mayfield chirped at a Seahawks fan during a game against the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, yelling, "You'll be real f—ing quiet at halftime" and checking in with the fan again after the Buccaneers won in a shootout.

— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) October 6, 2025