OSU insider recalls getting blamed for Baker Mayfield's exit as he claims credit for Rose Bowl win

Aaron Goldhammer is a sports talk show host and insider in Cleveland. He famously received blame for quarterback Baker Mayfield leaving the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Mayfield was the first overall pick of the Browns in 2018 and requested a move in 2021. He was subsequently traded to the Carolina Panthers for a fifth-round draft pick.

People who watch and listen to Goldhammer's show often blame him for stirring the pot and driving Mayfield out of town in Cleveland. Goldhammer does not believe he is to blame for the saga. However, on Thursday he spoke on "ESPN Cleveland" and said if he is to blame for Baker Mayfield leaving town, he should get credit for the Buckeyes' success this year.

Specifically, he wants credit after No. 8 OSU's 41-21 Rose Bowl win over top-seed Oregon. The victory sealed the Buckeyes a College Football Playoff semifinals clash against the Texas Longhorns.

"It felt there for minute like if Ohio State wanted to make this 100 to nothing, they could have made it 100 to nothing," Goldhammer said. "I'm gonna take some credit for this. If you guys are gonna blame me for running Baker Mayfield out of town, then you got to give me some credit for properly motivating and unlocking every once of talent in this Ohio State team.

"Specifically Jeremiah Smith, specifically Chip Kelly, specifically Ryan Day, the offensive line, the defense which by the way is the most underrated part of what's going on. This looks like one of the most dominant Ohio State teams I've ever seen. I helped carry them to victory. You're welcome."

Why did Baker Mayfield leave the Cleveland Browns?

When Baker Mayfield was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, he was viewed as a savior. The Browns have one of the worst records in the NFL. They have had little success throughout their history, and some fans treated Mayfield the same way the Cleveland Cavaliers treated LeBron James when he was drafted in 2003.

However, Mayfield was unable to replicate his college success in the NFL. Despite winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, he struggled in the NFL. In four seasons, he only led the Browns to one winning season, which came in 2020. That year he helped the team win one playoff game. It was the Browns' first playoff win since 1994.

However, a series of injuries and declining play from Mayfield resulted in the Browns trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022. As a result, Mayfield requested a trade. He was quickly moved to the Panthers on July 6, 2022.