Mayfield: Bucs' Victory Over Jets Last Season Was 'Personal'

July 22, 2026 - 04:00

New behind-the-scenes footage has revealed the raw emotion driving Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during last season's Week 3 victory over the New York Jets. For Mayfield, it was never just another game. It was a grudge match against his former coach, Steve Wilks, who served as the Carolina Panthers' interim head coach in 2022 when Mayfield was benched and eventually released.

The footage, captured by the Bucs' in-house production team, shows Mayfield telling teammates before the game that the matchup was "personal." He referenced the way his time in Carolina ended, making it clear he wanted to prove a point. The result was a gritty 20-17 win that pushed Tampa Bay to a 3-0 start, silencing critics who doubted the team after Tom Brady's retirement.

Mayfield completed 30 of 47 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown in that game. He also ran for a key first down late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. After the game, he was seen shouting in the tunnel, visibly relieved and fired up. It was a turning point in a season that saw Mayfield revive his career, leading the Bucs to a division title and a playoff win.

The footage adds a new layer to a game that already felt significant. For Mayfield, it was more than a win. It was redemption against a coach who had given up on him.