Budda Baker

Bishard “Budda” Baker Bio

Bishard “Budda” Baker is an American professional football safety for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Born on January 10, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington, Baker has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the NFL since being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. An eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, Baker has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals defense throughout his career. His journey from local Bellevue High School standout to NFL elite defender exemplifies his dedication and exceptional football instincts.

Early Life and Background

Baker attended Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington, where he excelled as a safety and running back while also competing in track and field. As a senior, he was named the Seattle Times High School Athlete of the Year, recognizing his outstanding athletic performance. He was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked among the top safeties in his class nationally. Baker originally committed to play college football at the University of Oregon but switched his commitment to the University of Washington the night before National Signing Day. He grew up as a devoted Seattle Seahawks fan, dreaming of playing professional football in his home state.

Path to the NFL

Baker played college football for the Washington Huskies from 2014 to 2016. As a true freshman, he started all 14 games and recorded 80 tackles, one interception, and one sack, earning Freshman All-American honors from USA Today. His sophomore season saw him start 12 of 13 games, compiling 49 tackles and two interceptions while earning All-Pac-12 Conference recognition. Baker entered the 2016 season as a pre-season All-American and delivered a standout campaign that resulted in consensus All-American honors. He was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America while earning second-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association and The Associated Press. On January 3, 2017, Baker announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Bishard “Budda” Baker Career

Rookie Season and Early Career (2017)

The Arizona Cardinals selected Baker in the second round (36th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft, acquiring the pick from the Chicago Bears in a trade that involved multiple selections. He signed a four-year, $6.83 million rookie contract with $3.88 million guaranteed on May 25, 2017. Baker made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Detroit Lions and earned his first career start in Week 11 after an injury to Tyvon Branch. In that start against the Houston Texans, he recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles, deflected two passes, and recorded his first career sack. Baker finished his rookie season with 74 combined tackles and seven pass deflections in 16 games, earning Pro Bowl honors, First-team All-Pro recognition, and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Arizona Cardinals Era (2017-Present)

Under the coaching staff led by Bruce Arians and later Steve Wilks and Kliff Kingsbury, Baker evolved into the anchor of the Cardinals secondary. In 2018, he transitioned to strong safety and recorded 102 combined tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and scored his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery against the Minnesota Vikings. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2019 after leading the NFL in solo tackles with 147 total tackles. Baker signed a landmark four-year, $59 million contract extension in August 2020, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time. His 2020 season featured exceptional performances including NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following an interception return against the Dallas Cowboys and NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. He earned his third Pro Bowl and second First-team All-Pro nod that season.

Defensive Excellence and Leadership

Baker has continued to demonstrate elite playmaking ability and consistency throughout his career. He changed his jersey number twice during his tenure, first from No. 36 to No. 32 (his college number) in 2019, then to No. 3 in 2021 when the NFL expanded jersey number rules. His versatility as a safety allows him to line up in various positions and contribute both against the pass and the run. Baker has formed a formidable partnership with Jalen Thompson in the Cardinals secondary, providing leadership and stability to the defensive backfield. His football intelligence and instincts have enabled him to make splash plays at critical moments throughout his career.

Milestones and Signature Moments

Throughout his career, Baker has accumulated numerous highlight-reel plays and milestones. His 90-yard interception return against the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 showcased his exceptional speed and playmaking ability on the biggest stage. Baker surpassed 1,000 career tackles during the 2025 season, reaching the milestone that places him among the league’s most productive defensive backs. His consistency is evidenced by his eight Pro Bowl selections through his first nine seasons. In 2025, Baker received the Art Rooney Award, recognizing his sportsmanship and integrity on the field.

Bishard “Budda” Baker Career Wins

Throughout his professional career, Baker has accumulated impressive statistical achievements across eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. His career totals reflect his status as one of the most reliable and productive safeties in the NFL.

NFL Career Highlights

Baker has been named to eight Pro Bowls spanning from 2017 through 2025, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest level of professional football. He has earned First-team All-Pro honors twice (2017, 2020) and Second-team All-Pro honors twice (2021, 2024). His 2019 season was particularly notable as he led the NFL in solo tackles with 147 total stops. Baker surpassed 1,000 career tackles during the 2025 season, joining an elite group of defensive backs to achieve this milestone. His 2024 season saw career-highs with 164 combined tackles and two sacks, earning him Second-team All-Pro recognition and his seventh Pro Bowl selection.

Career Statistics Summary

Through nine NFL seasons, Baker has recorded 1,021 total tackles, 10 sacks, 8 interceptions, 44 pass deflections, 7 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries. He has scored one defensive touchdown. His career averages and totals place him among the most productive safeties in Cardinals franchise history and in the NFL during his era.

Bishard “Budda” Baker Family

Family Background

Baker’s mother gave him the nickname Budda when he was a baby because she thought he resembled a Buddha doll. This childhood nickname would eventually become his widely recognized professional identity. His older brother, Robert Baker, passed away in 2018 after being shot in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, a tragic event that deeply impacted the Baker family.

Personal Life

Despite his NFL fame, Baker has maintained strong connections to his Pacific Northwest roots. He continues to represent his hometown area and draws inspiration from his family legacy. Baker’s journey from Bellevue to becoming an NFL star reflects his resilience and determination through both personal triumphs and challenges.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked another impressive chapter in Baker’s illustrious career with the Arizona Cardinals. Throughout the season, Baker continued to demonstrate the high level of play that has defined his tenure with the franchise. He earned his eighth Pro Bowl selection, further cementing his legacy as one of the most consistent performers at his position. Baker reached a significant career milestone by recording his 1,000th career tackle during the season, joining an elite group of defensive backs to achieve this accomplishment. He finished the 2025 campaign with 120 total tackles (57 solo), one interception, five passes defended, and one fumble recovery. His sustained excellence and durability have allowed him to remain a vital component of the Cardinals defense as he enters his ninth professional season.