Sunday has been roster cutdown day across the NFL, but Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily continue to open doors for everyone to make the cut at their fourth annual BE the Ball event at Topgolf in Tampa.
This event — held by the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation — supports the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) and has raised over $340,000 in the first three years. The Mayfield family spoke about their lofty goal for 2026, why this year hits different, and what they hope people take away from being a part of it. Plus, No. 6 weighed in about the Bucs entering the season.
Baker Mayfield, His Wife Emily Continuing To Make A Difference In Tampa Bay Community
In providing an opening statement to local reporters, Baker Mayfield kicked off Sunday afternoon’s festivities by sharing that the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation is aiming on doubling how much they have raised over the past three years and getting to $700,000.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily Mayfield – Photo by: Adam Slivon/PR
With the amount raised so far since the Mayfield’s came to Tampa Bay in 2023, they have helped over 360 children gain access to high-quality early education and care programs. As the Mayfield family has grown, it has changed their perspective of how close their initiative hits home.
“So, this year actually hits even more different than the last couple of years,” Emily Mayfield said. “Not because we have a second kid, but because Kova started school. She’s been in school over two weeks and she’s already coming home with new skills, new language, things like that. I think it really shows us if she didn’t have that and we threw her into school at five, how that gap could become a really big gap. It does hit different this year, being parents of school-age children.”
Baker Mayfield has mentioned several times in recent years just how much they have enjoyed settling in and planting roots in the community. This is the biggest way they give back, and regardless of what happens with his contract situation after the 2026 season, he has stated that Tampa will always be a place they reside. Coming in, the veteran signal-caller did not know if it would be just a one-and-done event. After he secured a second contract, the foundation has raised plenty of awareness for the ELCHC, which helps shape a child’s future.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily Mayfield share how much the support of the Tampa Bay community has meant since starting the @bemayfieldfdn Be the Ball event in 2023. How the community has responded gives them hope they can reach their goal to support the ELCHC. pic.twitter.com/OVHBrlSt3c
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) August 30, 2026
After seeing how much growth the BE the Ball event has had, they have faith they can reach their goals and for people who attend to have fun. That means seeing Bucs players show off their best golf swings, and like the locker room the Bucs have built, creating a good culture.
“Lofty goal, but the Tampa community continues to rise up and beat those goals,” Baker Mayfield said. “We’re able to continue to reset that bar each year, which is exciting and awesome. I’m hoping the community gets behind seeing who has the better swing between [long snapper] Evan Deckers and [wide receiver] Emeka Egbuka. Two really pure golf swings helping out a great cause.
“Just for people to have fun, that’s the biggest thing. We do these things to give back, yes, but have fun while doing it. Just creating a good atmosphere and good culture around that, people love to support that.”
Baker Mayfield Comments On 2026 Bucs, Jalon Daniels Becoming QB2
Toward the end of Baker Mayfield and his wife Mayfield speaking at the BE the Ball event, a couple of Bucs-related questions were asked relating to the quarterback’s overall thoughts on this year’s team and reacting to undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels winning the backup job.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily Mayfield – Photo by: Adam Slivon/PR
“Really excited about the team that we have,” Mayfield said. “Ready for the real thing, that’s for sure. Training camp and two weeks of joint practices felt like a long time away. Felt like training camp was forever. Ready for the real thing, excited about the team that we’ve been building in the offseason, the pieces that we’re putting together, and for what’s to come. Everyday changes in the NFL, it’s a long, grueling season. It’s always a fun ride.”
As the Bucs 53-man roster is almost set, who is behind No. 6 on the depth chart is now official. Tampa Bay cut Jake Browning, which makes Daniels the top backup entering the season. After he impressed throughout the preseason, Mayfield praised the young quarterback.
“I’m proud of Jalon,” Mayfield said. “I think he took tremendous steps from the first time I met him in the offseason to now. Played his tail off, worked hard, worked on the things the coaches wanted him to get done and for him to progress with. I’m excited for him.”
The Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation has really started to hit its stride in its fourth year. While things surrounding the Mayfield family have changed after having kids and with what life throws at them, the mission has stayed the same in helping young children across the Tampa Bay area.