Baker Mayfield honors Soviak

MILAN TWP. — With his arm, quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first regular season win of 2021. And, on his feet, he paid tribute to a late Navy Corpsman who died a hero serving the U.S. Mayfield honored Maxton Soviak, 22, with special cleats he wore during the pregame of Cleveland's home opener. The Browns defeated the Houston Texans 31-21 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Both Fansided and Bleacher Report, two national sports media outlets, covered the tribute. "Rest In Peace, Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak," reads one cleat, while the other features a drawing of Soviak in his Navy dress blues. Maxton — a 22-year-old Berlin Heights native and 2017 Edison High School graduate — died Aug. 26. He was a sailor assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. He was killed during an attack at the Abbey Gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Allies Refuge. Maxton died along with 12 other U.S. members of the Armed Forces. He died helping evacuate Americans and Afghan citizens, including children, at risk of being killed by the Taliban. As a result of his brave actions in support of his fellow service members and mission, the Navy posthumously advanced Maxton to the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Fleet Marine Force Corpsman warfare badge. Over the past two weeks, people from near and far mourned Maxton's passing. A processional through Milan Township, Milan and Berlin Heights occurred Sept. 8. A visitation took place on Sept. 12. And then Edison High School hosted his funeral on Sept. 13. During the funeral, Maxton's father Kip described Maxton as someone brave, athletic, quick-witted, charming, a true prankster, loyal, family-driven, kind, compassionate, competitive, fierce and smart. Kip also talked about his son's passion for football. Maxton played football for the Edison Chargers. He was an honorable mention SBC player in 2016 and on the best two teams in Edison football history. He then revealed why Maxton wore the No. 27 while playing football. "When we realized that he would be blessed with speed, agility and power, all of which I did not have, he took my No. 72 and switched it up," Kip said. "He also liked that it was our wedding anniversary and one of his sister's birthdays, so it had a lot of meaning."