In the world of sports, friendships often take a back seat to competition, especially in the high-octane environment of college football. Just ask Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, and his best bud, Mark Andrews, the former Oklahoma tight end who snatched up the John Mackey Award. While these two once shared a sideline and an abundance of trophies, their friendship hits a peculiar speed bump each football season.
In a recent interview, Mayfield quipped, “Even though Mark and I are best friends, him and I don’t talk in season. He’s a weirdo. He can’t exactly separate friendship and football, so he struggles with that on a year-to-year basis. So there are a few months at a time where we’re friends again. But for right now, no.” Ah, the classic tale of friendship marred by the football gods! One could almost picture Andrews transforming into a football-obsessed robot come September, incapable of normal human interaction, much like a teenager glued to their phone during a family dinner.
Mayfield’s playful jab at Andrews’ inability to balance his priorities is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as college football—where friendships are put on hold while players go all-in on their gridiron glory. Imagine Andrews in the midst of the season, dodging Mayfield’s texts like they’re defenders on the field, desperately focused on catching passes rather than responding to his best friend’s musings about life, love, and the latest Netflix series.
Of course, this annual friendship freeze is not without its humorous consequences. Mayfield’s text messages to Andrews likely resemble a frantic group chat, filled with memes, GIFs, and a dash of existential dread as he wonders why he’s been ghosted. “Hey Mark, you up? Just won the Heisman, what’s up with you?” *Crickets.* The only response Mayfield gets is the eerie sound of silence, interrupted only by the distant sound of Andrews practicing his touchdown dance.
It’s not all doom and gloom for these two, though. Their time together at the University of Oklahoma is cemented in the annals of college football history. With Mayfield’s name on the Heisman plaque and Andrews’ accolades hanging proudly in the Barry Switzer Center, they’ve etched their legacies side by side—literally. It’s a testament to their camaraderie, even if half the year they treat each other like they’re in a bad romantic comedy where one party just can’t get over their ex.
As the season winds down and the holidays approach, one can only imagine the heartwarming reunion. Picture it: Mayfield, standing by a cozy fire, a mug of hot cocoa in hand, finally hearing his phone ping with a text from Andrews. “Hey, you still have that Heisman trophy?” It’s like a scene straight out of a feel-good movie—complete with a cheesy soundtrack.
And so, as Mayfield and Andrews navigate the complexities of friendship in the throes of competitive sports, we can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Their bond is like a football: it’s occasionally thrown for a loop, but ultimately, it always comes back to the center of the field, ready for the next big play. Until then, Mayfield will be waiting for Andrews to come out of his football cocoon—hopefully with a trophy and a side of sarcasm.
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