t’s safe to say last year was one of the best that Baker Mayfield has ever had.

On the field he completely revived his career, helping lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneersto the NFC Divisional Round and setting new career highs in just about every meaningful passing category. He was finalist for Comeback Player of the Year, went to the Pro Bowl, and earned himself a $105 million contract.

He’s firmly established as the Buccaneers franchise quarterback moving forward, something that seemed like a long shot this time last year. Tampa Bay was reeling in the wake of Tom Brady retiring, especially without a succession plan in place, but Mayfield ended up falling into their laps and the rest was history.

Off the field things went just as well, if not even better.

Around the time he embarked on his revenge tour with the Bucs, Mayfield and his wife Emily revealed that they were expecting their first child together. While the season ended a few months ago on a down note, the Mayfield’s gave Bucs fans everywhere something cheer about at the conclusion of another journey.

Baker Mayfield announces birth of daughter on Instagram
On Saturday the Mayfield’s welcomed a new member to their team, as Baker announced the birth of their daughter Kova Jade.

Kova Jade Mayfield made her entrance into the world on 4/9/24 at 9 lbs, 2 oz. No word yet if she head-butted anyone upon arrival. Congrats @bakermayfield and @emilywmayfield pic.twitter.com/ZVIymzKX0Q

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 13, 2024

It’s hard to not blur the lines between Baker’s personal life and his decision to remain with the Buccaneers in free agency. Despite some late rumors that suggested he might head elsewhere — like Atlanta or New England — Mayfield agreed to an extension before the legal tampering period opened.

All along it seemed like he would be back, mostly because of the relationship he has with Bucs brass and his general positive feelings toward the franchise and how much it means to him. Baker and the Bucs foun each other at a time where they were both adrift and came together to form a bond that seems to be unbreakable.

We approached this point with Brady too, where the Bucs were more than just a layover on his journey to another destination. Baker’s not only firmly the team’s new quarterback but the Bucs are intertwined with an absolutely incredible and powerful point in his life.

It’s yet a reminder of how deep the bond runs and how beautifully tied together Baker and the Bucs are.