Mayfield Dons Michigan Gear After Losing Bet to Coach Bowles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield faced a colorful consequence for a lost bet, appearing at his weekly press conference in an ill-fitting University of Michigan tank top. The sartorial choice stemmed from a friendly wager between Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles regarding the Michigan versus Oklahoma football game. Bowles, whose son plays for Michigan, had his team emerge victorious, with the Wolverines defeating the Sooners 17-10.

"That hurts, that hurts real bad," Mayfield commented on the outcome and his attire. "It's been a rough couple of days."

The loss to Michigan adds to a challenging start for the Buccaneers, who are 0-1 heading into their Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield struggled in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, a 33-27 loss where he failed to throw a touchdown pass and lost three fumbles, including one near the goal line. This performance came shortly after Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension worth $165 million.

The upcoming game against the Browns carries additional significance for Mayfield, as he was the Browns' starting quarterback from 2018 through the 2021 season before being traded. The team ultimately opted for Deshaun Watson, a decision that led to Mayfield's departure. Sunday's game presents an opportunity for Mayfield to seek a measure of retribution against his former team.

Adding another layer to the narrative, the two-game home-and-home series between Michigan and Oklahoma has concluded, meaning Mayfield won't have another opportunity to settle a similar bet with Bowles in the near future.