Being selected as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft is a dream come true for any football player. It is a moment that marks the beginning of a promising career, but it also comes with a heavy burden of responsibility. The expectations are high, and the pressure to perform is immense. However, not many players are able to live up to these expectations. In fact, it can be argued that more No. 1 picks fail to do so than succeed. But then there are players like Baker Mayfield, who prove that late bloomers can also become top performers in the NFL.
In 2018, Baker Mayfield was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Cleveland Browns. At the time, there were doubts about whether he was the right choice for the struggling team. But Mayfield proved his doubters wrong and emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. And in 2024, he achieved something truly remarkable – leading the NFL in an impressive stat.
Mayfield finished the 2024 season with a total of 5,000 passing yards, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve this feat. This is a remarkable achievement for any quarterback, but it is even more impressive considering Mayfield’s journey to get to this point.
After being drafted in 2018, Mayfield had a rough start to his NFL career. He struggled with consistency and faced criticism for his behavior both on and off the field. But instead of letting the pressure get to him, Mayfield used it as motivation to improve and prove his worth as the No. 1 pick.
In his first two seasons, Mayfield showed flashes of brilliance but also had his fair share of struggles. However, in 2021, he had a breakout season and led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 18 years. This was just the beginning of Mayfield’s rise to the top.
In 2022, Mayfield continued to improve and led the Browns to their first division title in 33 years. He also set a franchise record for most passing yards and touchdowns in a single season. And in 2023, he solidified his place among the top quarterbacks in the league by leading the Browns to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
But it was in 2024 that Mayfield truly cemented his place as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He not only led the league in passing yards but also had the highest completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also broke his own franchise record for passing yards and touchdowns in a single season.
Mayfield’s success can be attributed to his hard work, determination, and resilience. Despite facing setbacks and criticism, he never gave up and continued to work on his craft. He also had the support of his team and coaching staff, who believed in his potential and gave him the opportunity to prove himself.
In addition to his on-field success, Mayfield has also become a leader and role model for his team and the community. He has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes and has become a beloved figure in Cleveland.
Being the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft comes with a ton of responsibility, and not many players are able to live up to the expectations. But Baker Mayfield has proven that with hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible. He has emerged as a top performer in the NFL and has shown that late bloomers can also achieve great success in the league. Mayfield’s journey is a testament to the saying, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” And it’s safe to say that Mayfield’s finish is just getting started.
