Baker Mayfield Has Been Living Inside FirstEnergy Stadium as Part of a Method Acting Technique for his Progressive Insurance ads: “At Home With Baker Mayfield.”
CLEVELAND, OH – While clever in its conceit, the series of ads have garnered a mixed response from NFL fans. And this latest development has many wondering if it has been a contributing factor in Cleveland’s disappointing season.
In an interview with Cleveland.com, Progressive’s Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Charney was quoted as saying, “From our first meeting with Baker months ago, we saw something special with him…” While it isn’t mentioned directly in the article, multiple sources have confirmed this was a nod from Charney to Baker’s acting technique.
For those unfamiliar, ‘method acting’ refers to an acting technique wherein the performer will essentially become the character they’re playing, regardless of whether or not the camera is rolling. Daniel Day-Lewis famously had everyone refer to him as ‘Mr. President’ on the set of Lincoln. For Baker, however, the role is much more nuanced.
In a ‘Keaton in Birdman’ type performance, Baker is, in a way, playing himself. But there is a subtle difference that may be the cause of Baker’s sophomore slump. There is a telling line from the Cleveland.com article:
“The Mayfields will provide glimpses of typical “homeowners moments’’ at their stadium digs, such as mowing the grass and fixing electrical problems.”
This season Baker’s not, “Quarterback: Baker Mayfield.” He’s, “Homeowner: Baker Mayfield.” By staying in character as the homeowner, the Oklahoma product has seen his on-field performance suffer.
“He’s losing himself in the role.” Odell Beckham Jr. tells us. “We had a Make-a-Wish event earlier in the year, great cause, fun time… But when the kids all ran out on the field Baker started freaking out. ‘Get off my lawn!’ He kept saying… It’s like, it’s him… but it’s not him, ya know?”
When asked to comment on the situation Baker declined, and instead said, “pull my finger.”
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