Baker Mayfield credits faith for life and career turnaround, mentions Norman pastor

Former OU Sooners quarterback and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield says hitting "rock bottom" deepened his faith in Jesus, which he now hopes to share with young athletes.

Speaking on The Sports Spectrum Podcast, Mayfield, 29, reflected on his journey, recalling how he had little connection to God growing up. His faith took a turn while attending the University of Oklahoma, where he met Pastor Adam Starling of Victory Family Church in Norman. "I didn’t have to be perfect; I didn’t have to have it all figured out," Mayfield said.

Mayfield said his faith grew stronger after joining the NFL, and in 2020, while with the Cleveland Browns, he and his wife joined Professional Athletes Outreach.

"This is what we’ve been looking for," Mayfield said.

After losing his starting job in 2022, Mayfield said God humbled him, teaching him he’s "more than a football player."

Off the field, Mayfield said he and his wife, Emily, faced challenges trying to have children.

Turning to the Bible gave him a new outlook. "That was the biggest change in my life," he said.

Now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield said he hopes to use his faith journey to inspire young athletes.

"Faith in Jesus is the only thing that made me feel whole," he said, adding that his wife’s faith has also grown during their trials.