Buccaneers Baker Mayfield Continues To Show His Leadership

Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield extended a warm welcome to rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, the team’s first-round draft pick, by treating him and his family to brunch shortly after their arrival in Tampa. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht shared the heartwarming gesture on Mad Dog Radio, highlighting Mayfield’s efforts to make Egbuka feel at home.

“He immediately asked me for Emeka’s number and he said, ‘When is he getting in?'” Licht stated. “And he came in — we flew in Emeka and his family on Friday. And on Saturday morning, Baker and his wife picked them all up and took them out to brunch just to show ’em around and get to know them.

“He didn’t have to do that. And he probably doesn’t want me even telling anybody that. He does that under the radar without wanting any fanfare for it.”

Egbuka’s brunch outing with Mayfield was a gathering of around 10 people, including Egbuka’s parents, stepfather, and girlfriend, as well as Buccaneers offensive linemen Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch, Ben Bredeson, and Graham Barton. The team’s vice president of player engagement, Duke Preston, also joined the group.

Mayfield’s kind gesture showcases the leadership role he’s taken on with the Buccaneers since revitalizing his NFL career. After a tumultuous stint with the Cleveland Browns and a year of uncertainty, Mayfield found stability in Tampa Bay in 2023. Since then, he’s led the team to consecutive NFC South titles and a playoff victory, solidifying his impact on the team.