New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed some massive praise for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. The rookie has since managed to send the love back his way.
Brees suggested that Browns got better talent than himself at quarterback. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mayfield gleefully responded to his comments.
“Yeah, it doesn’t get much higher than that,” Mayfield said. “That’s one of the greatest to play of all time. That’s the guy that I’ve had an unbelievable amount of respect for and looked up to just because of where I’m from first and then size and story as well. So I’ve always enjoyed watching him.”
Mayfield added that it will be on him to prove Brees right.
“It’s really cool. It’s humbling,” Mayfield said. “But unless I go to work every day, then it’s not going to matter. Expectations are one thing, but you’ve got to do your own. Got to do your own.”
Mayfield's giddiness should come as no surprise. Brees was one of the few quarterbacks he was adamant about emulating in the NFL. Despite his undeniable talent, there were concerns about his stature under center. However, Mayfield constantly referenced players like Brees and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson as exceptions to the rule.
It ultimately worked out after he was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Brees said Mayfield could be better than him because he “has all the tools” necessary to becoming an elite quarterback. There may be some truth to his comments. However, the rookie will still have some pretty big shoes to fill.
Brees will retire as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated passers in NFL history. Meanwhile, Mayfield still has yet to capture the starting job in Cleveland. That said, he will be unable to square off against his idol as he watches from the sideline in Week 2.
Follow Us
Subscribe