Depending on your family background or upbringing, your mother might have encouraged you not to hold a grudge. According to psychotherapist Angela Buttimer, “When we hold onto grudges and resentment, it’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.”
That may be true in most aspects of life, but holding a grudge is considered one of the best fuels for one’s competitive fire in football. You don’t just nurture the poison; you might even get to administer it to your enemy.
What Fueled Baker Mayfield’s Fiery Play Against the New York Jets?
On Sunday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield revealed what fueled his fire against the New York Jets.
Ari Meirov posted: “Their D-coordinator (Steve Wilks) was the one who cut me in Carolina,” Mayfield said. “A lot of stuff was personal today. Haason Reddick. Former Jet. A lot of people.”
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on beating the Jets:
“Their D-coordinator (Steve Wilks) was the one who cut me in Carolina. A lot of stuff was personal today. Haason Reddick. Former Jet. A lot of people.” https://t.co/8bkVUhUtyq pic.twitter.com/iqYdPSduhJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2025
The Bucs moved to 3-0, while the Jets are now 0-3, and Mayfield exacted a measure of revenge on interim coach Steve Wilks, who released Mayfield while he was interim head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
What Are the Origins of Baker’s Grudge Against Wilks?
Mayfield had been acquired before the 2022 season through a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield had played through the previous season with many injuries, but was written off as ineffective and replaceable.
However, things went terribly for Mayfield in Carolina. The team went 1-5 in his first six starts, and Mayfield suffered an ankle injury. Wilks benched him in favor of Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker, and Mayfield requested that he be released.
Reports at the time show that it was a mutual decision after it was made clear to Mayfield that he would not be the starter or the backup after the move to Darnold and Walker.
“This is a tough business,” Wilks said to ESPN at the time. “Sitting in this seat was a tough decision on my part, but it was something I felt was the best move for the team moving forward.”
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on beating the Jets:
“Their D-coordinator (Steve Wilks) was the one who cut me in Carolina. A lot of stuff was personal today. Haason Reddick. Former Jet. A lot of people.” https://t.co/8bkVUhUtyq pic.twitter.com/iqYdPSduhJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2025
How Did Things Work Out for Baker?
Mayfield hit waivers, and the Los Angeles Rams claimed him. The Rams had been hit with a series of injuries at quarterback, and head coach Sean McVay spent less than a week preparing Mayfield. His first game with the Rams ended with a stunning 98-yard drive to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 17-16.
He played four more games with the Rams before hitting free agency. In 2023, he signed a prove-it deal with Tampa Bay and eventually landed the $100 million contract he’s on now.
While holding a grudge is generally considered poor form, Mayfield has proven that it can be rocket fuel for your competitive fire in the right situation.
