Baker Mayfield, who left an indelible mark on college football, has been trying to make it big in the NFL. However, during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ mandatory minicamps in the 2023 offseason, he was forced to reminisce the painful memories of his rivalry with Rodrigo Blankenship, and the 2017 season’s Rose Bowl playoff loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.
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Baker Mayfield had an impressive college career, starting at Texas Tech in 2013 and transferring to the University of Oklahoma in 2014. His notable achievements include being named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week as a freshman, reaching the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl, and winning the reputed Heisman Trophy in 2017. Despite all this, even today, Baker fans drop their shoulders whenever the 2017 semi-final game involving Mayfield and Rodrigo is discussed.
Baker Mayfield vs Rodrigo Blankenship : Stirring up the past
In a recent interview as shared by NFLonNBC, a reporter mustered the courage to mention Rodrigo Blankenship to Baker. Not only this, he went on to mention the sticking point of Rose Bowl 2018. The reply from Baker Mayfield was an epic eye roll and a death stare.
Seemingly uninterested in talking about the topic, Baker said, “Are you trying to bring back memories?” Post that, while staring at the same reporter, in a rather cool tone, Mayfield said, “I know you Kyle, you’re only trying to stir sh*t up.” The Bucs QB’s response impressed all media members who couldn’t stop laughing as Mayfield left the press meet.
As it turns out, Blankenship made crucial field goals that contributed to Georgia’s overtime victory against the Oklahoma Sooners at the 2017 season’s Rose Bowl semi-final. After the contest ended at 54-48 in favor of Georgia, Baker was visibly unhappy. Back to 2023, upon seeing Blankenship audition for the Buccaneers, Mayfield couldn’t stop himself from saying, “I still don’t like you.”
Can Mayfield rise to the challenge in Tampa Bay?
Mayfield’s journey in the NFL has been no less than a rollercoaster ride. Despite displaying flashes of his potential, he has struggled to establish himself as a reliable starting quarterback, having played for several teams without long-term success. Recently, the Buccaneers signed him to a “prove it” contract worth up to $8.5 million for the 2023 season, indicating that he needs to demonstrate his value as a starter.
This upcoming season could be Mayfield’s last opportunity to prove himself as a starting quarterback. Another failure might get in the way of his chances of securing a long-term starting role in the future. This is especially important since he enters the class of a free agent once again next year.
