2017 Heisman speech video and transcript: Baker Mayfield’s emotional post-win moment

New York City — Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman Trophy award on Saturday night, beating out Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson and Stanford running back Bryce Love. Mayfield becomes the first Sooner QB to win the Heisman since Sam Bradford in 2008.

The victory wasn’t at all surprising. The senior lit up Big 12 defenses all season, throwing for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns, and he rushed for another five scores. OU clinched a College Football Playoff spot by beating TCU in the Big 12 Championship Game, but even by mid-November, Bovada had pulled Heisman odds entirely.

Here’s Mayfield’s speech, mostly transcribed below:

Thank you, Billy [Sims, the OU legend who spent the ceremony hollering, “Boomer!”].

Wow. This is unbelievable for me, being up here among these greats. It’s something that words can’t describe.

God has put me in a position, I’ve been so blessed, and a lot of the time, I wonder why, but it’s such an honor, to be up here. It’s unbelievable.

First, I’d like to say congratulations to Bryce [Love]. Good season, man. Heck of a year. You played well. Getting to know your family as well. No wonder you turned out great. Keep balling. Lamar, good to see you again, man. You know I love your family. You guys are special people.

Now I’d like to thank the Heisman Trophy Trust. It’s an honor just to be here, and a blessing.

To my big boys up front that protect me, you got Zeus [Orlando Brown], Cody Ford, Ben Powers, Erick Wren, Dru Samia, and Bobby Evans. Boys back home, it wouldn’t happen without you. Keep the physicality. We got two more, so we’re worried about that. This one’s for you guys. To my receivers and running backs, I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s who I’d pick to be in a foxhole with you guys. Our defensive guys as well, they get me better every week. And also our scout team guys, I got respect for them. They keep me competitive during the week, and our team would not be where it’s at without you. I’m proud to play behind those people.

It’s been a tough journey. They showed the videos. I walked on twice. To my coaches back at Lake Travis [High School], you guys instilled a work ethic in me that has never left. I think they won their playoff game tonight, so shout out to Lake Travis.

To everybody at OU. Staff welcomed me with open arms, and it’s been the best thing that ever happened to me. You guys have pushed me to be the best. Everybody there, it’s been a dream come true. There’s a standard and tradition there thats set very high. The strength staff that pushes me, I came in and wasn’t the most physical specimen that you ever seen, but they push me, really mentally. The nutrition team, I couldn’t do it without you.

Coach Stoops, you welcomed a chubby, unathletic kid into the program with open arms. I wouldn’t say that many would do that, but thank you. The thing I’m most thankful for is hiring Coach Riley. The day you did that: changed my life. Coach Riley, you’ve been a great mentor to me. Been through a lot together, so appreciate you.

My family, love you guys. There were times that I had to move. You guys made sacrifice after sacrifice, just so I could chase my dreams. Wouldn’t be here without you. Love you.

Sacrifice after sacrifice, you guys have instilled a mentality in me of loyalty and how to have a family thats second to none.

To all the Sooner fans back home, including Billy up here too, its been a dream come true. Although i grew up in Austin, Texas, I was always Sooner-born and Sooner-bred, and like they say, when I die I’ll be Sooner-dead. It’s an honor to get to represent my school, and there’s many more people that I can thank that helped me get here.

Can’t name everybody, cause theres too many. Although that statues gonna have my name on it, it’s more deserving to my team and my coaches. To the kids out there: don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.