It’s hard to find a player who’s rebuilt his image quite as much as Baker Mayfield over the last two seasons. What began as a one-year rental for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has become a wildly successful endeavor for both sides.
While the team remains competitive, it has allowed Mayfield to have a career resurgence. Now a locker-room leader who can show out on the field is a simple yet apt description for the once-maligned quarterback.
That talent, combined with the intangibles, has made Mayfield quite the fan favorite. But with his most recent gesture, that fandom might only continue to grow.
Fans in Love as Baker Mayfield Brings Back Special Kind of Throwback
There are very few things that the internet loves more than nostalgia. But when it brings you back to a simpler time when hopping on the latest console was the limit of your worries, it does stroke a particular heartstring.
Mayfield, when arriving for a critical Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers, brought back those exact memories with a special Pablo Sanchez-themed jersey.
As the Bucs posted their quarterback entering the arena, fans were already in love. For those in the unknown, Sanchez was a character from the evergreen Backyard Sports series. Appearing over multiple sports in the series, fans got to see the wunderkind showcase his talents in baseball, hockey, football, and even basketball.
Going for the original look that appeared between 1997-2001, Mayfield opted for the classic white shirt with a backward snapback cap. Fans were immediately in love, as “HE KNOWS BALL” became a common sentiment.
HE KNOWS BALL
— SoFlo (@BullsNationCFB) December 29, 2024
One of the most overpowered characters in the game, Sanchez was a natural at nearly every sport while being exceptionally speedy. Additionally, his natural ability to lead was something that was hammered home throughout the game, something the QB should be very familiar with himself.
In several ways, Sanchez was a GOAT in the Backyard Sports series. As a result, fans were willing to run with it.
“Goat recognizes goat.”
Goat recognizes goat
— The Maniac’s Gaming (@themaniacsgames) December 29, 2024
For most, the jersey choice was a clear sign of things to come. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Buccaneers need to beat out the Atlanta Falcons, who hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over them. That directly equates to a monster game from Mayfield to keep the postseason dreams alive. And fans believe he’s got it in him.
“Boy bout to ball all the way out.”
Boy bout to ball all the way out
— Ryza Rice (@MessiahRice) December 29, 2024
“Baker Mayfield masterclass incoming.”
Baker mayfield masterclass incoming
— Bryce (@Bryce99227532) December 29, 2024
Others, who had fond memories of the game, shouted out the Sanchez slogan, “LETS PLAY TOGETHER TEAM!!!!!”
LETS PLAY TOGETHER TEAM!!!!! 👏 🙌
— John Campbell (@JohnCam80486142) December 29, 2024
For Tampa Bay, a win is crucial in maintaining the standings. In the Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, the Buccaneers have two easily winnable games. While they don’t entirely control their own destiny, they can make life that much more miserable for Atlanta, who will take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football.
And it looks like Mayfield is Pablo Sanchez levels of ready.