Baker Mayfield Leads Buccaneers & Honored for Tampa Bay Philanthropy

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is having a career year, leading the team to a 6-3 record and first place in the NFC South heading into Sunday’s highly anticipated matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is enjoying both on-field success and off-field recognition this season. Leading the Buccaneers to a strong 6-3 record and the top spot in the NFC South, Mayfield and his wife, Emily, recently received the prestigious honor of Family Foundation Philanthropists of the Year from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine for their philanthropic work through the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation.

• Baker and Emily Mayfield were named Family Foundation Philanthropists of the Year by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine.
• The couple’s foundation supports Tampa Bay community programs, scholarships, and outreach, focusing on success, resilience, and strength.
• Baker Mayfield is having a career-best season with record-setting performances and a key leadership role on the Buccaneers.
• The Mayfields’ charitable efforts include scholarships for walk-on athletes and support for local families.
• The couple married in 2019 and welcomed their daughter Kova Jade in April 2024, balancing family life with professional sports and philanthropy.

Baker and Emily Mayfield honored for impactful philanthropic work

Just before the Buccaneers’ Week 11 game against the Buffalo Bills, Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily were recognized for their growing contributions to the Tampa Bay community. Their nonprofit, The Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation, was named Family Foundation Philanthropist of the Year by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine. The foundation provides programs, scholarships, and support to residents of Tampa Bay, emphasizing pillars such as success, resilience, and strength.

In an emotional public statement shared via Instagram, the Mayfields expressed gratitude to the community: “Being named Family Foundation Philanthropist of the Year is especially meaningful because you are the reason we do what we do. We’re proud to serve a community defined by strength, generosity, and true Tampa Bay spirit.”

The foundation continues to expand its outreach, recently launching the Walk-On Scholarship program. This initiative awards $10,000 scholarships to college walk-on athletes, recognizing perseverance without athletic scholarships—an experience Mayfield personally relates to, having been a walk-on at Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

On-field leadership amidst career-best performance

Baker Mayfield’s impressive on-field performance has paralleled his philanthropic success. Since joining the Buccaneers in 2023, he led the team to a 9–8 record and an NFC South title. In the 2024 season, he achieved franchise records with a 71.4% completion rate and passer rating while amassing 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. His efforts earned him his first Pro Bowl selection with Tampa Bay.

Through nine games of the 2025 season, Mayfield maintained strong statistics, passing for 2,192 yards and 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Despite a recent 24-9 loss to Detroit, his leadership continues to fuel Tampa Bay’s pursuit of another postseason appearance.

The personal story behind Baker and Emily Mayfield’s partnership

Baker Mayfield and Emily Wilkinson’s relationship began in 2017 when they were introduced by a mutual friend. After initial hesitations—Emily initially declined giving her number—Mayfield persistently sought her attention, including following and unfollowing her on Instagram until she agreed to a lunch date. Their connection quickly deepened; Emily sensed a lasting bond early on, and Mayfield proposed within six months of dating in 2018.

The couple married in a picturesque Malibu ceremony in July 2019, with 350 guests including fellow NFL players. Their marriage has weathered the ups and downs of Mayfield’s NFL journey, including his trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Panthers, subsequent release, brief stint with the Rams, and eventual signing with the Buccaneers in 2023.

Emily has been a steadfast presence and source of support through these professional challenges. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kova Jade Mayfield, in April 2024, further strengthening their family life.

Emily Mayfield: influencer and community partner

Emily Wilkinson Mayfield, originally from Nebraska and a University of Nebraska-Lincoln business graduate, established herself as an influencer on Instagram with over 224,000 followers. Sharing insights into her life, travels, fitness, and marriage, she has carved a significant following alongside Baker’s sports career.

She transitioned from working as a patient coordinator in a plastic surgery office to dedicating herself to philanthropic ventures alongside Baker. The couple’s joint public appearances include commercials, notably Progressive Insurance campaigns during Baker’s Browns tenure, blending professional branding with personal charm.

Community impact and future outlook

The Mayfields’ foundation aims to foster hope and opportunity in the Tampa Bay area through scholarships, youth programs, and community events. Their commitment resonates with local fans and the broader community, who have expressed admiration and support on social media platforms.

As Baker Mayfield continues his NFL career with Tampa Bay under a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract, his off-field dedication to philanthropy exemplifies leadership and generosity extending beyond football. With the Buccaneers positioned atop the NFC South and preparing for crucial matchups, the Mayfields’ dual success story as sports figures and community advocates remains a compelling narrative heading into the remainder of the season.