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Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield receives NSFW message from NBA superstar

Baker Mayfield's inspired style of play continues to earn respect and adoration from fans, and even elite athletes from other sports.
Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in a dogfight with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in what was an intriguing matchup between two very talented, but very injured 4-1 football teams.

READ MORE: Buccaneers’ star Emeka Egbuka suffers injury that ends his game against 49ers

When it was all said and done, the Buccaneers prevailed at home behind their star quarterback, Baker Mayfield. And as each week passes, Mayfield continues to earn praise and respect from different football fans around the world.

From one superstar to another

Kevin Duran
Sep 29, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks to media during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

It appears as though Baker's supporters extend just beyond the realm of football, though, as legendary NBA superstar, Kevin Durant felt compelled to chime in with a NSFW reaction during the game.

Based on the timing of Durant's tweet, it isn't hard to figure out why Durant decided to express his respect for Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield, at it again

Baker Mayfiel
Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

In the third quarter, a gritty drive led by Mac Jones resulted in the fourth field goal of the game by kicker, Eddy Pineiro, which allowed the 49ers to close the gap to one point on the Buccaneers, then trailing by a score of 20-19.

To make matters worse for Tampa Bay, star rookie WR Emeka Egbuka had just been ruled out for the remainder of the game with a hamstring injury. As a result of sudden Egbuka's departure, the Bucs were all of a sudden without each of their top four wide receivers, as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan were all unavailable with various injuries.

However, if we've learned anything from watching the Buccaneers play football this season, it's that adversity is like fuel for their quarterback, Baker Mayfield. And it didn't take long for Baker to provide a major jolt to his offense.

With 4:21 remaining in the 3rd quarter, and the Buccaneers facing a 3rd-and-14, the Bucs' QB did what he's done so many times already this season, and took matters into his own hands. Or legs, rather.

Mayfield somehow evaded a barrage of 49ers defenders, and with just a glimmer of daylight in sight, managed to squeeze his way between them before finding some space in the open field. But with more defenders yet to come, Baker lowered his shoulder and imposed his will in order to dive beyond the marker to provide his team with a much-needed fresh set of downs.

Naturally, the impressive scramble made it's way around social media just moments after it happened, with fans all around the world, including Kevin Durant, taking some time to express their respect for Mayfield's will and determination.

Durant's respect for Mayfield is all the more genuine when you consider the fact that Durant is a University of Texas alumni, and his Longhorns faced off against Mayfield's Sooners on Saturday in the annual Red River Rivalry matchup.

READ MORE: Former NFL QB's top 5 MVP list has a big Buccaneers surprise

Maybe if Texas had lost that football game the day prior, KD wouldn't have been so eager to shower a former Sooner with so much praise. Or maybe he would have regardless? We'll never know. But what we do know is that Baker Mayfield appears to have earned himself another supporter in the form of future NBA Hall-of-Famer, Kevin Durant.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 season.

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• Super Bowl champion believes Buccaneers rookie could be next Ja’Marr Chase

• Buccaneers legend Warren Sapp calls out ex-teammate over team criticism

• Star Eagles player receives shocking punishment for taunting Buccaneers


Published
Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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