Budda Baker Bio
Bishard “Budda” Baker is an American professional football safety for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Baker is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro member, recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions on the field.
Early Life and Background
Budda Baker was born on January 10, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington. He attended Bellevue High School, where he excelled in football as a safety and running back, and also participated in track. His athletic prowess earned him the title of Seattle Times High School Athlete of the Year during his senior year. Baker was rated as a four-star recruit and was ranked among the top safeties in his class, initially committing to the University of Oregon before switching to the University of Washington on the eve of National Signing Day.
Path to American Football
At the University of Washington, Budda Baker made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2014, starting all 14 games and recording 80 tackles, one interception, and one sack. His performance earned him recognition as a Freshman All-American. Over the next two seasons, he continued to build on his success, earning All-Pac-12 honors and consensus All-American status in 2016. After his junior year, Baker decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Budda Baker Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Budda Baker was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, with the 36th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $6.83 million, which included $3.88 million guaranteed. Baker quickly made a name for himself, earning a starting position and being named to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer in his rookie season. He finished the year with 74 combined tackles and was recognized as a first-team All-Pro.
Breakthrough (2019-2020)
In 2019, Baker solidified his status as one of the league’s top safeties, leading the NFL in solo tackles with 104 and earning his second Pro Bowl selection. His performance continued to improve, and in 2020, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $59 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at that time. He recorded 118 combined tackles and earned his third Pro Bowl nomination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Budda Baker’s signature work includes his outstanding performances during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, where he was recognized as a top player in the league. He has received multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, showcasing his consistent excellence on the field.
Budda Baker Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Budda Baker has received numerous award nominations, including eight Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro nominations, highlighting his impact and performance in the NFL.
Budda Baker Awards Won
Budda Baker has won several prestigious awards, including being named a first-team All-Pro twice and a second-team All-Pro twice. He has also been recognized as the NFL solo tackles leader in 2019 and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017.
Budda Baker Family
Budda Baker’s family background includes a significant loss; his older brother, Robert, tragically died in 2018. Baker’s mother affectionately nicknamed him “Budda” as a child, believing he resembled a Buddha doll.
Personal Life
Budda Baker has kept much of his personal life private. However, he has shared the impact of his brother’s passing on his life and career, which has motivated him to excel in his profession. As of now, he continues to focus on his career with the Arizona Cardinals and is expected to remain a key player in the upcoming seasons.
