Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray are kindred spirits. They both played at Oklahoma, both won the Heisman Trophy, and both were drafted No. 1 overall in the NFL.

Their paths, however, have taken opposite turns. Mayfield has enjoyed success with the Buccaneers, while Murray is trying to resuscitate his career in his first season with the Vikings.

They will face off on Sunday, with the 29-year-old Murray returning from a one-game absence due to a concussion. The 31-year-old Mayfield only had good things to say despite all the hate being hurled at his former teammate.

“Kyler and I are close. I spent a couple of years with him at school and got to know him as a person. I'd say he's got a reputation on the outside, but once you get to know the guy—because I understand why people don’t like him, don’t get me wrong, I'd say the same thing about myself—you really appreciate the worker that he is,” said Mayfield in the video posted by Polymarket Football.

“He knows what he wants, he knows his goals, and he works extremely hard to get those. I'm just happy for him getting a new chance somewhere else, new scenery, and having a coach who's gonna try to get the best out of him.”

QB Baker Mayfield on Kyler Murray:

“I understand why people don’t like him, don’t get me wrong… I’d say the same thing about myself. But once you get to know him, really appreciate the worker that he is.”
pic.twitter.com/8c8e1Tytxq

— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) September 24, 2026

Murray's first year in Minnesota started terribly, as he sustained a concussion in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz has filled in admirably for Murray, leading the team to a 2-0 record.

Ironically, it is the Buccaneers who have yet to enter the win column, even with Mayfield under center. The two-time Pro Bowler threw 44-of-62 for 398 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in their losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield is looking for his first win against Murray, who holds a 3-0 lead in their head-to-head record.