Getty Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns.
It’s been a rough year for Baker Mayfield, and the Cleveland Browns quarterback announced on Tuesday he’s stepping away from social media for the “foreseeable future.”
Mayfield has been the target of rampant criticism online this season and has, at times, engaged with some of his detractors, most recently liking a critical tweet from local media member and former NFLer Dustin Fox.
“Getting off all social media for the foreseeable future,” Mayfield wrote on an Instagram Story on January 25. “Gotta do what’s best to focus on me, my family and loved ones. Appreciate all the support. Time to get right.”
While he wasn’t specific about the reasons for the social media break, the recent back-and-forth about his future probably played a role in Mayfield stepping away. There’s also the fact that Mayfield had surgery on January 19 to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. He’ll start physical therapy the week after the surgery, according to ESPN, and may not want to hear the negative commentary as he looks to get back to full health.
“This is not the end of my story. It’s just going to be one of those little things that I’ll look back and remember that it’s one of those challenges … that I’m going to try to take advantage of and it’ll make me a better person,” he said in an Instagram video on the day of the surgery.
“This past year hasn’t been very easy. A lot of stuff has gone down and it wasn’t easy on me or my family,” he said in the video.
Browns Coach Warned of Social Media Usage
It was the second time within a few days that Mayfield spoke of the toxicity of social media. Following the stellar AFC Divisional Round, Mayfield was hit by some ricochet shots and spoke out on Twitter.
“Congrats to all teams moving on,” Mayfield wrote on January 23. “Some extremely competitive football was played this weekend. Was entertaining to watch. Would absolutely much rather be playing, but was fun to watch.
“Nevertheless… social media is toxic. Always kept my circle tight. Time to get back to that. Family and loved ones only.”
Nevertheless… social media is toxic. Always kept my circle tight. Time to get back to that. Family and loved ones only. 🤟🏼
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged some of the pitfalls of social media when the season ended, also noting he felt his team was on it more than others.
“I think you just have to be very careful,” Stefanski said in a January 10 press conference. “I think everybody has to be very careful with social media because there is a lot – like we have discussed before – a lot of it is background noise. I think you just have to be careful with what you put out there because once it is out there, it is out there forever.”
Mayfield Determined to Prove Haters Wrong
Mayfield was not at 100% last season basically from the start, injuring his shoulder while trying to make a tackle in Week 2 following an interception. Mayfield battled through the injury but was hampered by wearing a brace on his non-throwing shoulder, something offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt delved into at the end of the year.
“Hopefully next year without the harness, you’ll see Baker back to normal with his normal throwing mechanics,” Van Pelt told the media on December 31, 2021. “It’s definitely something that’s hindered him. He’s fought through [it]. We’ve got a lot of respect for the fact that he’s battled through that, and we know he’s injured. That’s where I’ll leave that.”
A source said Mayfield is expected to be cleared for training camp, according to ESPN.
“Surgery went great. Was a complete success,” Mayfield said in a video posted to social media. “Now it’s on to the road to recovery. It’s one of those steps to get back to my true self.”
Thanks to Dr. Limpisvasti and his team for performing a successful surgery. This is only going to be a minor bump in the road.. excited to get healthy and back to my normal self. Thank y’all and God Bless.
Mayfield passed for 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season, with the Browns finishing the year at 8-9.