How an undrafted free agent became a Super Bowl champion and NFL star
In short: In 2011, Doug Baldwin entered the NFL without being selected in the draft. Instead of fading into obscurity, he became the first undrafted rookie since the AFL-NFL merger to lead his team in both receptions and receiving yards, eventually securing a Super Bowl ring and a massive contract.
Baldwin was not selected in the 2011 NFL draft after playing for Jim Harbaugh's Stanford Cardinals between 2007 and 2010. A three-year contract valued at $1.4 million was signed by him as an undrafted free agent for the Seattle Seahawks. His immediate impact was historic; he finished his rookie season fourth in the league in reception yardage and led the Seahawks in both receptions and receiving yards. Before joining the NFL, he was a standout track athlete, recording impressive jumps in both the high jump and long jump. He also played high school football for the Gulf Breeze Dolphins in Florida.
Baldwin's career was marked by significant milestones and moments of high drama. In 2014, he won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks, leading all team wide receivers in that game with five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. He famously responded to critics who called the Seattle receiving corps 'appetizers' by pointing to his Super Bowl ring and noting that their analytical skills were lacking. During the Super Bowl XLIX season, he gained social media notoriety for a controversial touchdown celebration. This specific gesture resulted in a fine from the league.
His 2015 season remains a statistical standout. He set a team record with 14 touchdown receptions, leading the league in that category. He became the sole player alongside Jerry Rice to achieve ten or more receiving touchdowns within four games. By 2016, his success was reflected in his value, as he was ranked 72nd by his peers and signed a four-year, $46 million extension, making him the sixth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL at that time. His prolific 2015 campaign also saw him become the first Seahawks receiver to reach 1,000 yards since 2007. This performance helped him secure a major contract extension.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Doug Baldwin
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-doug-baldwin.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
