Lavonte David Defends Baker Mayfield: 'Humble' QB Played Through Major Injuries
Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David defended quarterback Baker Mayfield's reputation in a recent interview, saying Mayfield is actually "humble" and "a great guy" despite his polarizing image. David also revealed that Mayfield played through significant injuries during the 2025 season.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David is pushing back against Baker Mayfield's polarizing reputation, telling TMZ Sports that the quarterback is actually "humble" and misunderstood by the public.
During an appearance on The Arena, David revealed that Mayfield "was going through a lot" physically during the 2025 season. The retired linebacker pulled back the curtain on just how battered the quarterback was throughout the year, which may explain performance issues later in the season.
Mayfield has built a reputation for playing through injuries during his NFL career. David's comments suggest the quarterback continued that trend in 2025, even when it may have hurt his on-field performance.
The revelation adds context to criticism Mayfield faced for poor play in the second half of the 2025 season. Some observers had questioned whether the quarterback was making excuses for his struggles, but David's insider perspective suggests the injuries were real and significant.
This gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how injuries affected one of the NFL's most scrutinized quarterbacks. It shows how player reputations don't always match reality, and explains why Mayfield's performance may have declined later in the season.
Watch for more details about Mayfield's specific injuries and how they might affect his upcoming season preparation.
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