Budda Baker Reflects on Routine and Inspiration as Cardinals Face Seattle

Budda Baker, the Arizona Cardinals‘ Pro Bowl safety, rarely returns to his hometown of Seattle, Washington, although he will make a meaningful visit this Sunday when the Cardinals face the Seattle Seahawks. Baker, whose contract with the Cardinals is set to expire at the end of this season, has made Arizona his base, with much of his family having moved from Seattle to other areas. Despite the distance, the connection to his roots remains significant.

During a recent media interview, Baker shared details of his routine when the Cardinals play in Seattle, a tradition that includes paying a visit to the gravesite of his older brother, Robert, who passed away in 2018, during Baker’s second season with Arizona. «I’ll have a couple of words and hang out for a second,» Baker stated, reflecting on the personal significance of these visits and his brother’s lasting influence.

Baker’s ties to Seattle began during his high school years, where he achieved considerable success in both football and track at Bellevue High School. A notable highlight includes an undefeated streak that led to three state championships. His athletic prowess earned him the title of Seattle Times High School Athlete of the Year.

After high school, Baker attended the University of Washington and was later drafted by the Cardinals in 2017. His list of mentors from his formative years includes working alongside Seattle Seahawks players like Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, experiences that taught him to «not cheat the grind.»

Baker has assured Cardinals fans of his commitment to the team, expressing a desire to continue his tenure with them beyond this season. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon praised Baker as «one of the elite players in the world,» acknowledging his versatility and game-changing abilities on the field, including his effectiveness in rushing and defending against the run.

Rumors about a potential extension of Baker’s contract have begun to circulate. His defensive teammate, Darius Robinson, recently extolled Baker’s excellence and influence on the team, going as far as calling him the best player he has observed. «Being on the sideline, you get to see everybody up close. Like Budda, bro, he’s the best player I think I’ve ever seen in my life,» Robinson said.

Ranked third among safeties and 22nd overall on ESPN’s list of 2025 free agents, Budda Baker’s future with the Arizona Cardinals remains a subject of keen interest as they prepare to face one of their divisional opponents, the Seahawks, this Sunday.