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Former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield Benefitting from 'Right Fit' in NFL, per Tim Tebow

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Baker Mayfield: Finding the “Right Fit” in the NFL, According to Tim Tebow

Baker Mayfield’s journey from a high‑school standout in Texas to a Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma and, ultimately, a professional quarterback in the National Football League has been anything but linear. A recent Sports Illustrated feature—titled “Former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield Benefitting From Right Fit in NFL, Per Tim Tebow”—offers a concise look at how the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive philosophy and the mentorship of former college star Tim Tebow have helped the former Sooners star turn his potential into tangible production on the pro stage.

From Oklahoma to the Draft Room

The article opens with a quick recap of Mayfield’s collegiate résumé. Drafted in 2017 by the Oklahoma Sooners, he broke the program’s single‑season passing record, became the first freshman ever to start a national championship game, and captured the Heisman Trophy in 2017. His tenure at Oklahoma was defined by a “no‑fuss, no‑talk” approach, a high‑velocity arm, and an uncanny ability to stay calm in high‑pressure situations—traits that made him an attractive prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

In the draft, Mayfield slid from the anticipated early first‑round spot to the 11th overall pick, taken by the Dallas Cowboys. The article notes that while the Cowboys were skeptical about his fit in a pass‑heavy system, they saw the same raw talent and leadership that had propelled him at Oklahoma. Their hope: to give Mayfield a chance to develop in a supportive environment, much like what he experienced in the trenches of TCU’s offense.

The Cowboys’ “Right Fit”

The piece devotes a substantial section to describing why Dallas is considered Mayfield’s “right fit.” A few key points stand out:

1. Balanced Offensive Scheme
   Dallas had recently shifted from a run‑heavy approach (under former coach Tony Romo) to a more balanced attack. The new offensive coordinator, Mike McCarthy, emphasized quick, short‑passing plays that allow a quarterback to make decisions on the fly—exactly the sort of environment that suits Mayfield’s strengths.

2. Robust Offensive Line
   The Cowboys invested heavily in their offensive line in the offseason, adding veteran tackles and a powerful interior. The article underscores how this “protection” has granted Mayfield more time to read defenses, a critical factor for a quarterback who is still learning the pace of the NFL.

3. Coaching Stability
   The Cowboys brought in a new group of coaches that value consistency and fundamentals. With a coaching staff that focuses on play‑calling that is “easy to understand” and “hard to miss,” Mayfield has reportedly grown more confident each week.

4. Leadership Culture
   Perhaps the most compelling argument the article presents is the Cowboys’ culture of veteran mentorship. Mayfield was paired with experienced veterans in the locker room, a dynamic the piece credits with helping him refine his mental approach to the game.

Tim Tebow’s Take

A central narrative thread in the feature is the endorsement from former Oklahoma quarterback Tim Tebow, who, despite playing at Florida, shares a mutual respect for the Sooners’ program and its alumni. In a recent interview cited by the article, Tebow praised Mayfield for his work ethic, “He’s always going back on the field to work out, to refine his throws, and that’s what makes him unique.” Tebow’s words carry extra weight because he knows first‑hand the transition from college to professional football. His endorsement signals that Mayfield’s growth has been observed by those who have witnessed the demands of the NFL first‑hand.

The article also includes a link to Tebow’s full interview (available on Sports Illustrated’s website), where he expands on Mayfield’s mental toughness, his ability to handle pressure, and his potential to thrive under the right coaching. The link serves as an additional resource for readers who want to hear directly from a seasoned quarterback who has walked the same path.

Statistics and Progress

Mayfield’s rookie season, as summarized in the article, was a story of both promise and setbacks. He completed 65 of 119 pass attempts, yielding 738 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Despite the modest numbers, the piece emphasizes the steep learning curve for any rookie quarterback, especially one who was drafted in a system that has undergone significant changes since his arrival.

The article then highlights the 2021 season, when Mayfield began to show flashes of the ability that earned him the Heisman. Although he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2021, the Cowboys’ role in his development remains a central theme. The Raiders, according to the article, benefited from Mayfield’s experience in Dallas’ scheme, while Dallas recognized that the move was a strategic pivot to allow the team to explore other quarterback options.

The Bottom Line

“Former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield Benefitting From Right Fit in NFL, Per Tim Tebow” offers a concise but comprehensive look at how a quarterback can blossom when placed in a conducive environment. The article underscores that success is rarely an overnight phenomenon; it requires a confluence of talent, coaching, culture, and mentorship.

For Mayfield, the Cowboys’ balanced offense, fortified protection, and a culture that values growth appear to have laid the groundwork for a promising career. Tim Tebow’s endorsement adds a layer of credibility, reinforcing that Mayfield’s development is not just a narrative for the media but a reality observed by seasoned professionals.

In a sport where “fit” can define a player’s trajectory, Baker Mayfield’s story illustrates how the right environment can unlock the full potential of a quarterback who once reigned as a college superstar. As the NFL continues to evolve, Mayfield’s journey serves as a reminder that talent alone is insufficient; the alignment between player and system is what turns promise into performance.