Zack Baun Bio
Zack Baun is an American professional football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 30, 1996, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. Baun was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft and has since made a name for himself in the league, winning a Super Bowl and earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Known for his versatility and tenacity on the field, Baun continues to excel in his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Zack Baun grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin, where he initially attended West Bend East High School. His family later moved to Brown Deer, Wisconsin, after his sophomore year, prompting him to transfer to Brown Deer High School. At Brown Deer, Baun showcased his athleticism by playing basketball and football, as well as running track. He transitioned from playing wide receiver at West Bend to quarterback and linebacker at Brown Deer. As a senior, Baun earned recognition as the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association State Offensive Player of the Year and was named Dave Krieg State Quarterback of the Year after impressive performances that included passing for 1,936 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with rushing for 1,837 yards and a state-leading 39 touchdowns. He committed to play college football at the University of Wisconsin with the intention of gray shirting his freshman year. In basketball, Baun was a starter for Brown Deer’s 2013 WIAA Division II State Championship team and also placed in the Division II state track championship in both the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes.
Path to American Football
Zack Baun redshirted his true freshman season at Wisconsin after breaking his left foot before the season began. He made an impact in his redshirt freshman year, appearing in 12 games and recording 15 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, along with a forced fumble. Unfortunately, he missed his redshirt sophomore season due to a re-injury of his left foot during spring practices. Baun returned as a starter at outside linebacker for the Badgers in his redshirt junior season, finishing as the team’s third-leading tackler with 63 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, one interception, and a fumble recovery. Entering his redshirt senior season, he was recognized on the watchlist for the Butkus Award and was voted team captain. Baun was named midseason All-American by the Associated Press and Sporting News, leading the Badgers in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles through the first half of the season. He concluded his collegiate career with 76 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten and first-team All-American honors.
Zack Baun Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Zack Baun was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 74th overall pick. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2020, during a Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he contributed on special teams. Baun played for the Saints for four seasons, during which he faced challenges, including a season-ending injury in 2022 due to a calf injury suffered in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite these setbacks, Baun continued to develop his skills and make contributions to the team.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Zack Baun signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, transitioning to inside linebacker during the offseason. He made an immediate impact in Week 1 of the 2024 season, recording 15 total tackles and 2 sacks in a game against the Green Bay Packers. His performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor following a standout game in Week 10, where he recorded two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery against the Dallas Cowboys. Baun’s exceptional play in 2024 led to his selection for the Pro Bowl and recognition as an Associated Press first-team All-Pro, as well as a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year, where he finished fifth in the voting. On January 12, 2025, Baun recorded his first postseason interception in a Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. He followed this with another interception in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to the Eagles’ victory and securing his first Super Bowl championship. Baun ended the game as the Eagles’ leading defender, recording seven tackles and one interception. In March 2025, he agreed to a three-year contract worth $51 million with the Eagles, reflecting his successful career season.
Zack Baun Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zack Baun has received several notable nominations, including recognition as a Pro Bowler and a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Zack Baun Awards Won
Zack Baun has achieved significant accolades, including being a Super Bowl champion, a first-team All-Pro, and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He was also recognized as a Consensus All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten during his college career.
Zack Baun Family
Information regarding Zack Baun’s family is not publicly available, and details about his parents or siblings remain undisclosed.
Personal Life
Details about Zack Baun’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional career and contributions to the sport.
