While Baker Mayfield will be continuing his career with the Carolina Panthers, he chose to wear the same number that he has had since college.
For that to happen, he had to strike an agreement with another player.
Baker Mayfield says he’s made a deal with punter Johnny Hekker to get the No. 6 jersey from him.
“Six is a special number to me. It was the number I was given as a walk-on. It symbolizes my story.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 12, 2022
Pro Football Focus writer Ari Meirov tweeted, “Baker Mayfield says he’s made a deal with punter Johnny Hekker to get the No. 6 jersey from him.”
He also quoted the former Heisman Trophy winner who said, “Six is a special number to me. It was the number I was given as a walk-on. It symbolizes my story.”
Seeing his old number serves as a great motivation for him, especially now that he will basically prove himself again to another franchise.
Mayfield tried out his luck at Oklahoma and eventually became the team’s starter.
Aside from winning the Heisman in his final year at Norman, he was also named the Associated Press Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American.
To encapsulate his football journey, he also took home the Burlsworth Trophy twice for becoming the best FBS player who started as a walk-on.
Mayfield With A Chip On His Shoulder
He may not state it publicly but he wants to prove his doubters, especially the Browns, wrong.
That’s why he will play inspired football in Week 1 of the 2022 season when the Panthers face his old team.
The team essentially discarded him after signing Deshaun Watson to a five-year deal.
For that reason, he badly wants a victory over the Browns to have the last laugh.
More importantly, the Panthers are not a highly regarded team in the NFC.
However, Mayfield can shock the NFL world by leading the Panthers to a respectable finish.
If he leads Carolina to the playoffs, he will add another feather to his cap.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Comments On His Week 1 Matchup Against The Browns