Baker Mayfield Pays Up on Bet, Rocks ‘Mizzou Grandma’ Sweatshirt After Oklahoma Loss
TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, is no stranger to the spotlight. But this week, he found himself in the headlines for a reason that had nothing to do with his on-field performance. Instead, it was all about a sweatshirt—a black and yellow “Mizzou Grandma” sweatshirt, to be exact.
Mayfield, known for his competitive spirit and fiery personality, showed a different side of himself during his weekly news conference on Wednesday. The University of Oklahoma alum, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2017, walked to the podium wearing the sweatshirt, a clear sign that he had lost a bet. And if there’s one thing Mayfield proved, it’s that he’s a man of his word—even when it means enduring a little public humiliation.
The sweatshirt, which read “Mizzou Grandma” in bold letters, immediately caught the attention of reporters in the room. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times wasted no time asking the obvious question: “Who’s your Mizzou guy?”
Mayfield, ever the entertainer, took off his cap and replied with a smirk, “Um…We don’t have one. It’s [team reporter] Casey Phillips.”
He then stepped in front of the podium to give everyone a full view of the sweatshirt, prompting laughter from the room, including Phillips herself, who was present. The moment was lighthearted, but it also highlighted Mayfield’s willingness to own up to his losses—both on and off the field.
The Backstory: Oklahoma vs. Missouri
So, what led to this fashion statement? It all goes back to a college football showdown on November 9, when the Missouri Tigers defeated Mayfield’s alma mater, the Oklahoma Sooners, 30-23. The game’s decisive moment came with just 22 seconds left on the clock. Missouri’s Zion Young returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown after Triston Newson sacked Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold. The dramatic finish sealed the win for Mizzou and, apparently, set the stage for Mayfield’s wardrobe choice.
Casey Phillips, the Buccaneers’ team reporter since 2015, was quick to share her thoughts on social media. She posted on X, “I have to give Baker a TON of credit for being a man of his word and also rolling with it despite the grandma curveball I threw in there.”
Teammates and Fans React
Mayfield’s former Oklahoma teammate, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who now plays alongside him in Tampa, had a different take on the situation. “That’s not fun,” Shepard said. “Listen, I’m not making any bets because I’m not wearing any other team.”
Meanwhile, the Missouri Athletics department couldn’t resist chiming in. They posted on social media, “Baker 🤝 Cook 👩🍳 Gold might just be your color, @bakermayfield #MIZ 🐯 https://t.co/4uaRyk0Wzn“
Why This Matters
While the moment was all in good fun, it also speaks to Mayfield’s character. In a league where egos often run high, it’s refreshing to see a player who can laugh at himself and honor a bet, no matter how silly it might seem. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, sports are about more than just wins and losses—they’re about camaraderie, competition, and, yes, a little bit of trash talk.
Key Takeaways
- Baker Mayfield lost a bet after his alma mater, the Oklahoma Sooners, fell to the Missouri Tigers 30-23 on November 9.
- He honored the bet by wearing a “Mizzou Grandma” sweatshirt during his weekly news conference.
- The game’s pivotal moment came when Zion Young returned a fumble for a touchdown with just 22 seconds left.
- Mayfield’s lighthearted approach earned praise from fans and teammates alike, though not everyone is eager to follow his lead—just ask Sterling Shepard.
In the end, Mayfield’s willingness to embrace the moment—and the sweatshirt—shows why he’s such a beloved figure in the NFL. Whether he’s leading the Buccaneers on the field or cracking jokes off it, Mayfield continues to prove that he’s more than just a quarterback—he’s a personality. And for fans of both Oklahoma and Missouri, this is one moment they won’t soon forget.
Originally Written by: Jenna Laine
