'Baker Was Only on the Rams for 15 Minutes?': NFL Fans Amazed by Jersey Tribute Despite Short Stint

The sight of fans rocking Baker Mayfield jerseys from his brief Rams days has sparked a wave of astonishment across NFL circles. This tribute highlights a quirky loyalty to a quarterback who spent just five games with the team in 2022, stepping in mid-season to lead a legendary 98-yard game-winning drive. It’s a nod to a moment that defied odds, especially since he was claimed off waivers by the Rams after his release from the Panthers.

The jersey display isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a celebration of Mayfield’s resilience. Fans are turning heads with these rare threads, showing his impact lingers well beyond his Rams tenure. As of 2025, his performance with the Buccaneers, including 615 passing yards in just three games, adds fuel to debates about his legacy and staying power in the league.

So How Did This Wild Tribute Even Happen?

The tribute springs from Mayfield’s striking performance with the Rams, where he was plunged into the offense with minimal prep time and still managed to play with command. His 2022 98-yard game-winning drive against the Raiders stood out as proof of his clutch instincts, a moment that helped build his following despite a brief five-game stay in L.A. It’s less about how long he stayed, and more about moments that endure.

This impacts how fans view loyalty in the NFL, where players often switch teams due to trades or free agency. Sports marketing research shows that many fans value memorable performances and emotional highlights as much as, if not more than, long-term commitment. That shift toward player-driven fandom helps explain why Mayfield’s Rams jersey still shows up years later.

Supporting context reinforces this: Mayfield has consistently appeared in the NFLPA’s Top 50 Player Sales list, which reflects demand for licensed merchandise across the league. His name continues to move gear, even after leaving the Rams. Meanwhile, his strong early-season play with Tampa Bay in 2025 has kept him in the spotlight, giving fans reasons to celebrate his past moments while investing in his future.

Fans React: Shocked, Amused, And Totally Confused

On one side, fans are amused. Many are treating this as a playful nod to how quickly deals and signings can shift in the NFL. Some are applauding the creativity, noting that a tribute jersey for someone who suited up for only a brief stint is rare. One fan joked, “Baker was on the Rams for like 15 mins, why does he have that jersey.” The novelty gets attention, and the jersey becomes a symbol of that legendary 98‑yard drive.

Others are more critical. Some argue it feels disrespectful, especially to players who’ve given real years of service, sweat, and time to the Rams. They believe honoring a short stint undervalues veterans and past stars. As one fan commented, “Can’t believe the Rams let him go, now they’re stuck with Stafford.” That critique is grounded; respect in football is often earned through years, not moments.

Then there’s the middle ground. Many are simply bemused, shrugging it off as fandom theater. One user wrote, “If I remember correctly he learned the playbook on the flight over to LA and played without practicing. Skills you can’t teach.”

Another chimed in: “Do you guys like Mayfield?” These takes capture both admiration and confusion. All told, the tribute proves how clutch moments, not just long careers, can spark lasting loyalty.

In the end, this brief Baker-Rams chapter has become more than a quirky memory. It shows how a six-game stint and one epic drive can fuel lasting loyalty, spark debates, and even inspire a jersey tribute. The moment reminds us that NFL fandom thrives on unforgettable flashes, not just long careers, and that keeps the game endlessly entertaining.