Baker Mayfield on Wednesday announced steps he is taking to preserve his and his family's mental health.
The Browns quarterback is getting off social media for the "foreseeable future," adding it's "time to get right." He made the announcement in an Instagram story:
MORE: Mayfield dodges media after rough performance; wife defends his 'toughness'
#Browns Baker Mayfield on IG. pic.twitter.com/Kgv308UrNh
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) January 26, 2022
Mayfield's decision to get off social media makes sense. Professional athletes leave themselves open to criticism from all angles — warranted or otherwise — by making themselves available on virtual platforms. That's true of Mayfield, who struggled amid injuries and COVID-19 in 2021 as the Browns limped to an 8-9 record and third-place finish in the AFC North.
It's apparent Mayfield has heard the rumblings of disgruntled fans. He declined to speak to media following a 13-10 win over the then-winless Lions on Nov. 21, prompting his wife, Emily, to make posts criticizing his teammates in an effort to defend his toughness. Those posts were later deleted. The following day, Mayfield said he doesn't "really care" when Cleveland fans boo him.
"Those are probably the fans that won't be quiet while we're on offense and trying to operate, so (I) don't really care," Mayfield said at the time.
MORE: Browns' Baker Mayfield on being booed by fans: 'Don't really care'
Mayfield hinted at his intentions Sunday on social media when he congratulated all the teams in the playoffs before adding that social media is "toxic."
Nevertheless… social media is toxic. Always kept my circle tight. Time to get back to that. Family and loved ones only. 🤟🏼
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 24, 2022
The Browns quarterback has also discussed he and his wife receiving death threats from "keyboard warriors." He has called out Cleveland.com Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot, saying a story she reported about his relationship with coach Kevin Stefanski was "clickbait."
Clickbait. You and many other Cleveland local media continue to be drama stirring reporters with no sources or facts. Don’t put words in my mouth so you can put food on your table. I’m not your puppet. https://t.co/MfHnqWk65s
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 6, 2022
For now, it appears as if Mayfield still has all his social media accounts. How much longer that lasts remains to be seen.