Oklahoma Icon Baker Mayfield Honors Toby Keith: “His Legacy Will Live On Forever

When news broke that country music superstar Toby Keith had passed away, the entire state of Oklahoma felt the loss. Keith wasn’t just a singer; he was a symbol of pride, resilience, and unapologetic patriotism. For Oklahomans, he was one of their own—a man who never forgot his roots and always represented his home with honor. Among those paying tribute was another Oklahoma legend, NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, who shared heartfelt words about Keith’s impact.

Mayfield, who grew up in Austin, Texas, but played college football at the University of Oklahoma, knows what it means to carry the spirit of Oklahoma with you. In a recent interview, he opened up about what Toby Keith meant to him and to the state. “Toby was more than just an artist,” Mayfield said. “He was a voice for so many people who felt unseen. His music told stories—real stories—about hard work, love, and standing up for what you believe in. That’s why his legacy will forever carry on.”

Keith’s influence stretched far beyond music. He was a philanthropist, a businessman, and a devoted family man. From supporting troops overseas with countless USO tours to helping tornado victims in Oklahoma with generous donations, Keith’s generosity was as big as his personality. Mayfield recalled how Keith’s presence at OU football games electrified the crowd. “When he showed up, you could feel the energy shift. He had that kind of presence—larger than life, but still down-to-earth. That’s rare.”

The connection between Mayfield and Keith goes deeper than just shared Oklahoma pride. Both men embody a certain toughness and authenticity that resonates with fans. Mayfield, known for his fiery competitiveness and underdog mentality, sees parallels in Keith’s journey. “Toby didn’t have it easy early on. He worked odd jobs, played in small bars, and kept grinding until he made it. That’s the Oklahoma way—you don’t back down, you keep pushing.”

Keith’s songs often celebrated the everyday American—the blue-collar worker, the soldier, the small-town dreamer. Tracks like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” weren’t just hits; they were anthems. Mayfield admitted that Keith’s music was a staple in locker rooms and tailgates. “There’s nothing like blasting a Toby Keith song before a game. It gets you fired up. His music had heart, and that’s why it connected with so many people.”

Beyond the stadiums and concert halls, Keith’s impact was felt in quiet, personal ways. Mayfield shared a story about a friend who met Keith backstage at a concert. “Toby took the time to talk to him like they were old buddies. That’s the thing—he never acted like a celebrity. He was just a regular guy who happened to be famous.” That humility, Mayfield believes, is why Keith’s legacy will endure. “People remember how you treat them, and Toby treated everyone with respect.”

As the conversation turned to Keith’s battle with cancer, Mayfield’s tone grew somber but resolute. “Cancer is a brutal fight, but Toby faced it the same way he lived—with courage and no complaints. Even in his toughest moments, he kept making music, kept performing. That’s the kind of strength you admire.”

Mayfield isn’t the only athlete to pay tribute to Keith. Across the sports world, figures like Peyton Manning and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have shared their memories of the country star. But for Mayfield, it’s personal. “Oklahoma is a special place. The people here stick together, and Toby was a big part of that. His music brought us together, and his spirit will keep us united.”

In the days since Keith’s passing, fans have gathered outside his favorite spots in Oklahoma—his restaurant, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, and the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, where he often performed. Memorials filled with cowboy hats, American flags, and handwritten notes have popped up across the state. Mayfield hopes that Keith’s family finds comfort in the outpouring of love. “The whole state is grieving with them. But we’re also celebrating a life well-lived.”

Looking ahead, Mayfield believes Keith’s influence will only grow. “Great artists never really leave us. Their music stays, their words stay. Years from now, kids who weren’t even born when Toby was at his peak will hear his songs and feel that same pride he instilled in all of us.”

As the interview wrapped up, Mayfield smiled thinking about one of Keith’s most famous lyrics: “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” “That’s Toby in a nutshell,” Mayfield said. “Always real, always proud, always Oklahoma.”

And with that, another Oklahoma legend ensured that Toby Keith’s legacy would, indeed, live on forever.