Emily Wilkinson, wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, shared that a Google search performed before their first date nearly deterred her from pursuing a relationship with the NFL star. Wilkinson, married to Mayfield for seven years, recounted the experience on Netflix's 'Quarterback' series.
A mutual friend, Patrick, set the couple up in late 2017, describing Mayfield as "totally chill." However, when Wilkinson searched for him online, she encountered numerous unfavorable headlines instead of information about his football achievements. "When I Googled him, I saw that he got arrested in Arkansas," Wilkinson stated, referencing a February 2017 incident where Mayfield faced misdemeanor charges including public intoxication and resisting arrest.
Wilkinson also noted other controversial incidents that appeared in her search results, including Mayfield's actions during a November 2017 game against Kansas, where he grabbed his crotch and shouted obscenities, and an earlier incident where he planted an Oklahoma Sooners flag at Ohio State's stadium after a victory. "The top five headlines were not favorable," she said.
Despite the initial negative impression, Wilkinson decided to proceed with the date. The couple began dating in December 2017, shortly after Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy. They married in July 2019 and have two children: Kova Jade, born in April 2024, and Maverick Thorne, born in April 2026.
Wilkinson's remarks come as Mayfield is in the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers. The team has expressed no immediate rush to extend his contract, though Mayfield has reportedly set a deadline for a deal before training camp begins. If an agreement is not reached and the Buccaneers do not use the franchise tag, speculation suggests the Pittsburgh Steelers might pursue Mayfield for the 2027 season, when Aaron Rodgers is expected to retire. Mayfield's performance in 2025, when he ranked in the top 10 in passing yards and touchdowns, is noted as a potential factor in such a move.