Budda Baker is a prominent American football safety currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cardinals in 2017 after playing college football at the University of Washington. A highly accomplished player, Baker has earned recognition as a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, highlighting his consistent excellence and impact on the field.
January 10, 1996: Budda Baker's Birth
On January 10, 1996, Bishard "Budda" Baker was born. He is now a professional football safety for the Arizona Cardinals.
2014: Freshman Season at Washington
In 2014, as a true freshman at Washington, Baker started all 14 games and recorded 80 tackles, one interception, and one sack.
2015: All-Pac-12 Conference Selection
In 2015, as a sophomore, Budda Baker started 12 of 13 games and was named All-Pac-12 Conference after recording 49 tackles and two interceptions.
2016: All-American Honors
In 2016, Budda Baker earned consensus All-American honors following the season.
January 3, 2017: Declaration for the NFL Draft
On January 3, 2017, Budda Baker announced his decision to enter the 2017 NFL draft, forgoing his senior season at Washington.
November 19, 2017: First Career Start
On November 19, 2017, Budda Baker earned his first career start for the Cardinals and recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles and his first career sack.
December 19, 2017: Selected for 2018 Pro Bowl
On December 19, 2017, Budda Baker was named to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a special teamer.
2017: Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals
In 2017, Budda Baker was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the NFL draft.
2017: Drafted into the NFL
In 2017, the Arizona Cardinals selected Budda Baker in the second round (36th overall) of the NFL Draft after trading up with the Chicago Bears.
January 1, 2018: Bruce Arians Announces Retirement
On January 1, 2018, Bruce Arians announced his retirement as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
January 22, 2018: Steve Wilks Hired as Head Coach
On January 22, 2018, the Cardinals announced their decision to hire Steve Wilks as their new head coach.
2018: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors
In 2018, Budda Baker's Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as a rookie were recognized.
2018: Brother's Death
In 2018, Budda Baker's older brother, Robert, died after being shot in Seattle.
2019: Leads team in tackles, selected to Pro Bowl
In 2019, Budda Baker finished with a half-sack, 147 total tackles, six passes defended, and one forced fumble and was named to his second Pro Bowl.
August 25, 2020: Signs Contract Extension
On August 25, 2020, Budda Baker signed a four-year, $59 million extension with the Cardinals, becoming the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.
2020: Ranked in NFL Top 100
In 2020, Budda Baker was ranked 97th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2021: Number change and Pro Bowl nomination
In 2021, Budda Baker changed his jersey number from 32 to 3 and earned his fourth Pro Bowl nomination.
2021: Ranked in NFL Top 100
In 2021, Budda Baker was ranked 19th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
December 28, 2022: Placed on injured reserve
On December 28, 2022, Baker was placed on injured reserve after suffering a fractured shoulder.
2022: Ranked in NFL Top 100
In 2022, Budda Baker was ranked 67th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
September 18, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 18, 2023, Budda Baker was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury.
2023: Ranked in NFL Top 100
In 2023, Budda Baker was ranked 73rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
December 17, 2024: Signs Contract Extension with Cardinals
On December 17, 2024, Budda Baker signed a three-year contract extension with the Cardinals through the 2027 season.
2024: Ranked in NFL Top 100
In 2024, Budda Baker was ranked 89th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2027: Contract through 2027
In 2027, Budda Baker's contract with the Cardinals is set to expire.