History of Budda Baker in Timeline

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 standout player, Baker has earned recognition as a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top safeties.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Freshman Season at Washington

In 2014, as a true freshman at Washington, Budda Baker started all 14 games, recording 80 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He was named a Freshman All-American by USA Today.

2015: Sophomore Season at Washington

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. He was named a first-team all-American by The Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America, and a second-team all-American by the American Football Coaches Association and The Associated Press.

January 3, 2017: Declaration for NFL Draft

On January 3, 2017, Budda Baker announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.

May 25, 2017: Signed Rookie Contract

On May 25, 2017, Budda Baker signed a four-year, $6.83 million rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, including $3.88 million guaranteed and a $3.10 million signing bonus.

November 19, 2017: First Career Start

On November 19, 2017, Budda Baker made his first career start for the Cardinals after Tyvon Branch's injury. He recorded 13 combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made his first career sack in a loss against the Houston Texans.

December 19, 2017: Named to 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 of the NFL. He is currently a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro member.

2017: Number Unavailable

In 2017, when Budda Baker joined the Cardinals, the jersey number 32 was unavailable as it was worn by Tyrann Mathieu.

January 1, 2018: Bruce Arians Announces Retirement

On January 1, 2018, head coach Bruce Arians announced his retirement from the Arizona Cardinals.

January 22, 2018: Hiring of Steve Wilks

On January 22, 2018, the Arizona Cardinals hired Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as their head coach.

October 14, 2018: First Career Touchdown

On October 14, 2018, Budda Baker recorded 11 combined tackles and returned a fumble recovery for 36 yards to score the first touchdown of his career during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

2018: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors

In 2017, Budda Baker finished his rookie season with 74 combined tackles and seven pass deflections. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

2018: Death of Robert Baker

In 2018, Budda Baker’s older brother, Robert, passed away after being shot in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

December 31, 2018: Firing of Head Coach Steve Wilks

On December 31, 2018, the Cardinals fired head coach Steve Wilks after finishing the 2018 NFL season with a 3–13 record.

January 8, 2019: Hiring of Kliff Kingsbury

On January 8, 2019, the Arizona Cardinals hired Kliff Kingsbury to be their new head coach.

October 27, 2019: Season-High Tackles

On October 27, 2019, Budda Baker set a season-high with 14 combined tackles during a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

August 25, 2020: Contract Extension

On August 25, 2020, Budda Baker signed a four-year, $59.00 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.

September 10, 2020: Season Opener and Season-High Tackles

On September 10, 2020, Budda Baker started in the Cardinals' season-opener and set a season-high with 15 combined tackles in a win against the San Francisco 49ers.

October 19, 2020: First Career Interception and NFC Defensive Player of the Week

On October 19, 2020, Budda Baker recorded his first career interception and forced a fumble during a victory against the Dallas Cowboys. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

2020: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2019, Budda Baker led the NFL in solo tackles and was named to his second Pro Bowl. He was ranked 97th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

May 3, 2021: Jersey Number Change

On May 3, 2021, it was announced that Budda Baker chose to change his jersey number for the third time in his career from No. 32 to No. 3, due to the NFL expanding the jersey numbers.

November 7, 2021: Secured Victory Against the 49ers

On November 7, 2021, Budda Baker secured the Cardinals' 31–17 victory at the San Francisco 49ers by intercepting a pass by Jimmy Garoppolo.

December 5, 2021: Career-High Interception

On December 5, 2021, Budda Baker set a career-high with his third interception of the season during a victory against the Chicago Bears.

2021: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2020, Budda Baker finished the season with 118 combined tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and two sacks. He earned his third Pro Bowl and second first team All-Pro nomination. He was ranked 19th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

September 11, 2022: Season-High Tackles in Home Opener

On September 11, 2022, Budda Baker set a season-high with 13 combined tackles in the Arizona Cardinals' home-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

December 28, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 28, 2022, the Arizona Cardinals officially placed Budda Baker on injured reserve for the last two games of the season after he suffered a fractured shoulder.

2022: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2021, Budda Baker started all 17 games, finishing with 98 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, a career-high three interceptions, and two sacks. He earned a fourth Pro Bowl nomination. He was ranked 67th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

February 14, 2023: Hiring of Jonathan Gannon

On February 14, 2023, the Arizona Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon to be their new head coach.

September 15, 2023: Hamstring Injury

On September 15, 2023, Budda Baker suffered a hamstring injury during practice.

September 18, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 18, 2023, the Cardinals officially placed Budda Baker on injured reserve due to his hamstring injury.

October 21, 2023: Activated from Injured Reserve

On October 21, 2023, Budda Baker was activated from injured reserve and added back to the Cardinals' active roster.

2023: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2022, Budda Baker finished with 111 combined tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended, and one forced fumble. He earned his fifth nomination to the Pro Bowl. He was ranked 73rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

December 8, 2024: Career-High Tackles Against Seahawks

On December 8, 2024, Budda Baker recorded a career-high 18 combined tackles (eight solo) during the Cardinals' 18–30 loss against the Seattle Seahawks.

December 17, 2024: Contract Extension with Arizona Cardinals

On December 17, 2024, Budda Baker signed a three-year, $54.00 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, including $29.36 million guaranteed and a $12.24 million signing bonus, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2027 season.

2024: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2023, Budda Baker finished the NFL season with 87 combined tackles in 12 games. He earned a sixth Pro Bowl nomination and was ranked 89th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.