From high school standout to Super Bowl champion: the rise of Zack Baun
In short: Before becoming an All-Pro linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Zack Baun was a versatile high school star in Wisconsin. His journey through injuries and positional shifts led him from being a third-round draft pick to a pivotal force in a Super Bowl LIX championship victory.
Zack Baun's path to professional football was marked by significant versatility and physical resilience. During his high school years at Brown Deer, he transitioned from wide receiver to quarterback and linebacker, earning honors as both the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association State Offensive Player of the Year and the Dave Krieg State Quarterback of the Year. His senior season was particularly prolific, as he amassed 1,936 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, alongside 1,837 rushing yards and 39 state-leading touchdowns.
His collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin was defined by overcoming setbacks. After breaking his left foot before his freshman season, he spent his first year redshirting. He faced another injury during his redshirt sophomore season, missing the entire year after re-injuring that same foot. Nevertheless, he re-emerged as a powerhouse, securing All-American status from both the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Football Writers Association of America following an exceptional final year featuring 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Baun entered the NFL in 2020, selected 74th overall in the third round by the New Orleans Saints. After four years in New Orleans, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, transitioning to inside linebacker. This move sparked a breakout period. In 2024, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was named an Associated AP first-team All-Pro. His impact culminated in a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded seven tackles and an interception, eventually securing a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles in March 2025.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Zack Baun
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