Baker Mayfield reveals what went into securing No. 6 jersey with Carolina Panthers
Whenever a star player gets traded, one of the biggest hassles can be getting their favorite number from another teammate. Most times, some deals are made, where one will pay up in order to rock their same old jersey number with a brand new team. Nothing was different for quarterback Baker Mayfield after joining the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield revealed what went into getting his No. 6 jersey during his introductory press conference. Another player new to the franchise had already selected it, with punter Johnny Hekker wanting to keep his number after leaving the Los Angeles Rams. In what was some breaking news, Mayfield said he and Hekker worked out a deal over the phone.
“I guess it’s time to break the news,” Mayfield joked. “I made a deal, did my own negotiating with Johnny. Obviously, when it comes to a four-time All-Pro, had to ask permission and if he was willing to make those sacrifices. He’s a guy who has a chip on his shoulder as well. Undrafted free agent, spent his whole career with the Rams and now, he has a chip on his shoulder. I’ve had fun getting to know him over the phone. He’s a great guy, a great leader.”
Baker Mayfield explains why he wears No. 6
Playing at Lake Travis High School in Austin, TX, Mayfield wore No. 11. His number throughout college and now in the NFL never had a special place in his heart. However, after being assigned No. 6 by Texas Tech when walking onto their program, it’s just stuck for the new Carolina quarterback.
“Six is special to me not because it was ever my favorite number,” said Mayfield. “It was the number I was given as a walk-on at Texas Tech. And then when I transferred, people at Oklahoma thought it was my favorite number so they just gave it to me again. It’s just stuck with me.
“Kind of simplices my story, my history with that, and I truly enjoy being able to represent that. It’s something special to me now but at first, it was not. So I am thankful for Johnny being reasonable and giving up his number for such a veteran of that many years.”
Now with his preferred number, Mayfield will begin to settle in as he hopes to become the starting quarterback in Carolina. He will face off against Cleveland in Week 1, something everybody around the NFL will be looking forward to.