Baker Mayfield is no longer Tampa Bay’s little secret.

No, the Bucs’ quarterback is back on the map as a league-wide sensation. Once upon a time, the national narrative was one that he was no longer a starting NFL quarterback after what transpired with the Browns and Panthers. Looking back, that was the best thing to happen to Mayfield, as it allowed him to mature and find a long-term home.

After dueling it out with Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold last Sunday, Mayfield has garnered a lot of fanfare, especially from those who once doubted his abilities. As expected, Wednesday’s press conference was filled with many questions about how he is handling it. Having seen both sides, one thing has stayed the same.

He is just someone who loves the game and is having fun playing at a high level.

Baker Mayfield’s Once-Labeled Immaturity Is Now Considered Moxie

From the moment Baker Mayfield was drafted by the Browns in 2018 and throughout his tenure there, the perception was that he was supremely talented, but also immature. The term cocky or arrogant was thrown about, primarily when the losses stacked up in Cleveland. Being traded from Browns and later waived by the Panthers in 2022 left his story with an unclear ending, but his next chapter has re-written a lot of the previously spun storylines.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

While he once played for the “Dawg Pound,” it was not until he landed with the Bucs that he was considered a “Dawg.”

“I’ve told you guys I try and not get too high and not get too low, which is something that I was not doing early on in my career,” Mayfield said when asked about his personality being more embraced. “Early on in my career, it’s looked as cocky, immature. Now it’s moxie, he’s a dawg. Same shit, different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative. You just got to be yourself; I’ve always been like that.”

No one can argue with that outdated rhetoric, anymore.

Not when Mayfield has Tampa Bay 4-1 largely in part to his late-game heroics. His statistics back his success following one of the best games of his career, and he now sits with 1,283 passing yards, 10 touchdowns to just one interception, and a 65.1% completion percentage through five games this season. Only adding to his “moxie” are his gritty runs, as he has 19 carries for 144 rushing yards, including 10 first downs.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Whether it is with his arm, his legs, or a little bit of both, Mayfield is having a substantial amount of fun out there. Putting up 38 points in Seattle and accomplishing the pre-game objective of starting fast only adds to his enjoyment of taking care of business.

“It’s a good amount [of fun],” Mayfield said. “Wins help that. We talked about starting fast. Prior to the Eagles game, we did not. We overemphasized it last week, and the guys did that. Early on didn’t get the touchdowns like we wanted, didn’t end in seven [points], but ended with three. Mentally, guys were locked in, and that was really the point of emphasis. For me, I always have a lot more fun when we do what we talk about.”

At The Core, Baker Mayfield Is The Same He Has Always Been

There is something to say about the way Baker Mayfield has matured. Since settling in with the Bucs, Mayfield has prided himself on being a faith-filled family man with his wife Emily and their 18-month-old daughter Kova. Having learned from his past experiences has only allowed him to grow and become the best version of himself.

That does not mean the fire has gone away though, far from it. He still thinks it’s “pretty fun” to jaw with opposing fans before and after games.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As life goes on, Mayfield still brings his renowned fiery intensity and playstyle on gamedays and within the confines of the team’s facility.

“At the core, definitely the same [person],” Mayfield said. “[I’ve] matured in different ways, not worried about little things that really don’t matter. Now, you put it in the landscape of a competitive football game in that atmosphere, that will never change.”

The increased attention on Mayfield and the rest of the team is not something he is thinking about. What once might have ensnared him is something he now considers toxic.

“That’s rat poison,” Mayfield said when asked about if allows himself to think about what’s next. “That’s rat poison right there. No, focus on the next opponent.”

Focusing on the next game and taking things day-by-day is the best way to build a foundation. The wins — and accolades — will stack up accordingly. When it is all said and done, Baker Mayfield enjoys being a part of this team and what they accomplish — as one.

“Whatever is being said is a testament to the offense and the group that we have,” Mayfield said. “Individual accolades and recognition, you never have it on your own. This is the greatest team sport for a reason. Always trying to remind myself of that and realize that I can’t do it without the guys next to me.”