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Mayfield accepted Senior Bowl invite to address 'character issues'

Jeff Gross / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield surprised many when he accepted an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl.

The pre-draft showcase is typically reserved for players hoping to improve their draft stock or merely get on the NFL radar. Mayfield will head to the pros as a possible first-round draft pick.

He recently revealed his motivation for joining fellow prospects in Mobile, Ala.

"There are a lot of skeptical people out there who think I have character issues. That's why I'm doing it - to sit down and have a conversation with people. Let them know I love the game of football and I'll do anything to win," Mayfield said Friday to Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt on Sirius XM NFL Radio.

"Quite frankly, I think that matters a lot more than anything else."

Among the antics Mayfield has been derided for include: planting a team flag in the middle of an opponent's field after a victory this year, had to apologize for grabbing his crotch in the direction of the opposing bench, and telling Baylor players, "You forgot who daddy is, I'm gonna have to spank you today."

His resume - both on and off the field - has drawn comparisons to NFL flameout Johnny Manziel. Mayfield hopes to put any concerns to rest.

"It's a job interview. That's what it is. I want to ace my job interview at whatever the cost," Mayfield said.

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