Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is known as one of the fiercest hitters and one of the most fearless players in the NFL. He is also one of the smaller players on the field at any time.
He suffered a pair of injuries last season, spraining an ankle and then fracturing his shoulder. He missed two games and is not happy about it.
“I hate missing games,” he told Cam Cox of 12 News. “Being angry and being mad about not getting to play. That pissed me off. I want to never have a situation like that happen again.”
This offseason, he has been working with a personal strength coach, Justin King at Built Better AZ.
Baker had a big ask for King.
“First thing I told Justin is I want to run into O-lineman next year. Full speed. I’m heavier, but I’m also lighter on my feet. I’m faster, I’m quicker.”
Baker has been working on his own, opting to not participate in voluntary OTAs. This is in part because he seeks a contract extension and requested a trade because he was told the Cardinals would not extend his contract.
He has shared some impressive photos and videos of his gains and workouts.
A quicker, stronger Baker will be fun to watch in 2023.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
