Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David is pushing back against the widespread perception of quarterback Baker Mayfield, offering a firsthand account that challenges the narrative surrounding the polarizing NFL star.
In an exclusive interview, David revealed his initial expectations were shaped by the public image of Mayfield as cocky and difficult. However, after playing alongside him in Tampa Bay, David discovered a completely different person.
"He's nothing what people say," David stated emphatically. "Baker is not only a great teammate for me, but he's a great friend. I'm a fan of Baker, honestly. Just the way he carries himself, his charisma, his swag."
The retired linebacker, who won Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady, praised Mayfield's humility and leadership qualities, noting that the quarterback's move to Tampa Bay allowed him to showcase his true abilities reminiscent of his standout college career at Oklahoma.
David highlighted how Mayfield's on-field energy became infectious for the entire team. "Him going out there, putting the team on his back and talking trash, stuff like that -- we feed off that," David explained. "We love that. We love to see him go. It gets us going!"
Having experienced elite quarterback personalities firsthand during his time with Brady, David emphasized that Mayfield's character can only be fully appreciated through direct interaction. He expressed hope that more people would have the opportunity to see beyond the public persona to the person he came to respect both on and off the field.