NFL Analyst Reveals Why Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Is Such a Fan Favorite

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a 2-0 start after impressive wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans.

One player who has stood out amongst the rest is quarterback Baker Mayfield. He is playing at a high level and continues to demonstrate why he was the first overall pick back in 2018.

What many people know about Mayfield is that he is a fiery competitor. Some of the things he does may rub people the wrong way, but he does whatever it takes to win. Mayfield has become a fan favorite around the league, and one interesting story sums him up as a player.

NFL Analyst Reveals Interesting Baker Mayfield Story

NFL analyst Kyle Brandt joined the “3&Out Podcast with John Middlekauff” to discuss Mayfield and his rise as a quarterback.

Brandt revealed a story about Mayfield from his time at the Pro Bowl, and it shows you what the quarterback is like off the field.

Brandt talked about how Mayfield was paying for drinks for random people while at the team hotel, and then was seen meeting fans at breakfast the next morning.

.@KyleBrandt tells @JohnMiddlekauff an awesome story about Bucs QB Baker Mayfield at the Pro Bowl Games @HardRockBet pic.twitter.com/4Y5l3dGMjf

— 3&OUT with John Middlekauff (@3andout_pod) September 18, 2025

Hearing this about Mayfield is what makes him so likable amongst fans. It is cool to learn about this side of Mayfield that most people do not get to see. Mayfield plays with his heart on his sleeve, and that is partly what makes him such an impactful player.

Buccaneers Look Like NFC Contenders

When you look across the NFL, there are only a handful of teams that look like they can compete for the Super Bowl thus far. One of those teams has to be the Buccaneers.

They have a high-powered offense, despite not yet getting going. They also boast a defense that has only given up 19.5 points per game over the first two weeks.

One issue for the Buccaneers is the health of their offensive line. They are without three of their top offensive linemen — Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch.

According to Adam Schefter, Goedeke and Mauch are both headed to the IR. Protecting Mayfield will be a significant concern until they can get some of their starters back.

Buccaneers placed starting OT Luke Goedeke and starting G Cody Mauch on Injured Reserve. Goedeke will return this season, but Mauch will not.

Bucs officially signed OL Dan Feeney off the Bills practice squad, promoted OL Luke Haggard from their practice squad and also signed OL…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2025

The Bucs are set to face the New York Jets this weekend, and their defensive line has the ability to cause problems for a short-handed offensive line. Even though Tampa Bay is a heavy favorite, it will be interesting to see if injuries make this game closer than expected.