CLEVELAND — Baker Mayfield is taking a hiatus from social media.
But that doesn't mean that the Cleveland Browns quarterback isn't going to be seen on social media.
Of all people, it was one of Mayfield's most vocal critics, Colin Cowherd, who shared a picture of the 26-year-old signal-caller out and about on Thursday night. According to the Fox Sports radio host, Mayfield dined at his friend's restaurant, Slay Italian, and managed to leave a lasting impression on both Cowherd's friend and in turn, Cowherd, himself.
"I have been critical but I need to be fair too," tweeted Cowherd, who has publicly sparred with Mayfield dating back to the lead up to the 2018 NFL Draft. "Baker was at my friends place tonight. Could not have been nicer and classier. David was really impressed. Made my night. Thank you @bakermayfield"
Don't, however, expect a reply from Mayfield -- at least not publicly. Earlier this week, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft took to his Instagram story to announce that he was taking a break from social media for the time being.
"Getting off all social media for the foreseeable future," he wrote. "Gotta do what's best to focus on me, my family and loved ones. Appreciate all the support. Time to get right."
Mayfield's announcement came two days after he tweeted about his disdain for social media following the AFC divisional round matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. Many on social media had also pointed out that the fifth-year quarterback had liked a tweet from 92.3 The Fan host Dustin Fox that stated that what the Browns currently have at quarterback isn't good enough to keep pace in the AFC.
"Congrats to all teams moving on… some extremely competitive football was played this weekend. Was entertaining to watch. Would absolutely much rather be playing, but was fun to watch," he wrote. "Nevertheless… social media is toxic. Always kept my circle tight. Time to get back to that. Family and loved ones only."
Earlier this month, Mayfield publicly took issue with a report from Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot that detailed an apparent rift between the quarterback and Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski. In a tweet, the Oklahoma product lambasted Cabot and others in the local media for what he felt was unfair treatment.
"Clickbait," Mayfield wrote while quote-tweeting the article. "You and many other Cleveland local media continue to be drama stirring reporters with no sources or facts. Don’t put words in my mouth so you can put food on your table. I’m not your puppet."
Last week, Mayfield underwent surgery in Los Angeles to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder that he suffered in the Browns' Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. Despite reaggravating the injury in Cleveland's Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the fourth-year quarterback only missed one game to his shoulder, before opting to sit out the Browns' Week 18 finale vs. the Cincinnati Bengals with his team having already been eliminated from postseason contention.
Notably, Mayfield wasn't wearing a sling and appeared to be in high spirits in the picture posted by Cowherd.