When asked how he would described Jesus to a young teammate, Mayfield said:
Jesus is obviously the Son of God. But it is grace, it’s perfection. Somebody that sacrificed everything, that gave us this opportunity to live life. For me, when you say he’s your Lord and Savior, you proclaim it whenever you can. But he’s the reason we’re here, and the story of Jesus walking among the flesh, the only perfect man and to be sacrificed on the cross and die for our sins forever. And when you accept that grace, it’s an unbelievable feeling.
Diving into the Bible is incredible, according to Mayfield. “Whatever you’re going through, there’s something in the Scripture that can help you out, and it’s been written, and it’s the truth,” he said.
Through Fatherhood, QB Understands God’s Unconditional Love
The Mayfields now have a daughter who’s almost a year old. Being a dad, Mayfield said, has helped him understand how our heavenly Father unconditionally loves us. “God’s been waiting for me to accept that for a long time,” the athlete said, adding that he wants to teach their daughter she’s “loved no matter what, for exactly who you are. You’re made perfectly.”
The Mayfields also spread that message through their foundation, a joint effort so Emily can spearhead the work while Mayfield is busy during the season. “It’s been really fun to grow roots in Tampa,” said Mayfield, who recently saved a local high school football team’s season by donating equipment.
Time, Mayfield said, has offered perspective about all the challenges he’s faced. Building back after life comes “crashing down” is an important lesson he hopes to teach younger NFL players. “That’s discipleship,” he said, “and I think that’s what God’s calling me to do, is use the lessons I’ve learned, the ups and downs of trying to make it happen my own way, and being humbled.”
Mayfield also wants to teach others that only Jesus can make you “feel whole.” He tries to live by the Golden Rule to spread love and joy, he said, while encouraging people to trust God and find their identity in him.
Mayfield, who recently sued his father for allegedly stealing $12 million from him, also spoke about the financial temptations of fame. “People come out of nowhere” asking for money, he said on the podcast. Through PAO, the QB and his wife have learned to tithe, he said, setting aside 10% immediately rather than waiting to see what’s leftover.
“None of this is ours,” Mayfield said of earthly wealth. “It’s been a learning process. We haven’t had that figured out the whole time. But we’ve had some unbelievable help from people to guide us in those directions.”
