Apr 23, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners former player Baker Mayfield hugs his wife Emily as his statue is unveiled during the spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield's wife Emily thanks Cleveland ahead of Browns-Panthers game

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/25/22

Quarterback Baker Mayfield offered a public display of gratitude to fans of the Cleveland Browns and to "the city of Cleveland" this past March when it was clear his then-employer was going in a different direction. Days later, the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, and Cleveland ultimately shipped Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers last month.

Mayfield has since been named Carolina's starter ahead of the Week 1 matchup between the Panthers and Browns held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sept. 11. Weeks before that clash, Emily Mayfield, Baker's wife, took to Instagram to say farewell to the city that first became the signal-caller's home when the Browns made him the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

"It's obviously been an emotional couple of days," Emily said, per TMZ Sports. "Baker and I left last season, truly expecting to come back for another season (like the previous 4 years).

"No part of me thought it'd be the last time we'd leave that house together or the last time we'd shut it down to head out on our off-season adventures."

Baker Mayfield guided the Browns to a playoff victory at the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2021 but wasn't the same player last season after he injured his non-throwing shoulder in Week 2 of the campaign.

"I am leaving Cleveland with such fond memories," Emily continued. "I'm leaving this house with a full heart. This week brought A LOT of tears. It brought tons of nostalgia. But I'm so happy I felt those feelings... it means it was a good ride."

Emily added: "There's just something about that first place ..... Thank you, CLE. You'll forever hold a special place in my heart."

Baker Mayfield admitted earlier this week that "there's a lot of attachment there" as he prepares to face off against his former teammates for the first time. Meanwhile, Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett later said he'd like to "get a couple sacks" of Mayfield that Sunday afternoon.

More must-reads: