Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka turned heads across the league following his breakout two-touchdown performance in his NFL debut, and nobody was more impressed than his quarterback Baker Mayfield.
"You guys saw it live today in person. He's the real deal. True professional. Doesn't play like a rookie, doesn't act like a rookie," Mayfield told reporters during his postgame press conference. "He made some unbelievable catches and plays today for us and obviously [I'm] gonna continue to lean on him..."
Video: Baker Mayfield talks about rookie Emeka Egbuka and how quickly the rookie earned his trust to look to him in crucial situations like today. pic.twitter.com/SMMMJE5u2P
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 7, 2025
With Mike Evans receiving extra attention from the Falcons’ secondary, it opened the door for Egbuka to face single coverage often, and the rookie wide receiver capitalized on the opportunity. He caught four passes for 67 yards in addition to his two touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final minute.
“Hopefully draws some more coverage towards [Egbuka] and Mike gets the ball again,” said Mayfield.
With Chris Godwin Jr. expected to miss the first month of the season as he recovers from a severe ankle injury that required two surgeries this offseason, and Jalen McMillan sidelined for the first half of the year with a sprained neck, Mayfield and the Buccaneers needed someone to step up for the offense. Egbuka’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
Early in his NFL career, Egbuka has already proven himself as a reliable security blanket for Mayfield, as he has quickly earned the full trust of his quarterback.
Egbuka is sure to see plenty of targets in the coming weeks as he serves in the No. 2 wide receiver role alongside Evans. Egbuka has been a true professional since he first set foot in Tampa Bay this offseason and wasted no time winning over the entirety of the organization and locker room.
As a result, he has quickly stepped into a significant role for the offense and become a favorite target for Mayfield.
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