Zack Baun

Zack Baun's Biography

Zack Baun, born on December 30, 1996, is a gifted American professional football linebacker, who, as of 2024, represents the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). His inspirational journey to professional football began in his high school years and was shaped by his college experience at the University of Wisconsin before culminating in his selection by the Saints in the 2020 NFL draft. His remarkable skills and dedication to the sport have made him a notable figure in American football.

Baun spent his youth in West Bend, Wisconsin, where he first nurturing his athletic aptitude. Initially, he went to West Bend East High School before his family’s relocation to Brown Deer, Wisconsin prompted a school change. Baun excelled athletically at Brown Deer High School, participating in basketball, football, and track. He notably transitioned from playing wide receiver at his previous school to the roles of quarterback and linebacker at Brown Deer High.

Upon graduating, Baun was awarded the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) State Offensive Player of the Year and the Dave Krieg State Quarterback of the Year. These accolades were well-earned, as he had passed for 1,936 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for 1,837 yards and a whopping 39 touchdowns, leading the state that year. Baun committed to the University of Wisconsin with intentions to gray shirt his freshman year. His athletic talent extended beyond football: Baun was a key starter for Brown Deer’s 2013 WIAA Division II State Championship basketball team and achieved placements in the Division II state track championship for both the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes.

Despite some health setbacks, Baun made a sizeable contribution to the Wisconsin football team during his time there. An unfortunate left foot break resulted in a redshirted freshman season. However, he came back strong, appearing in 12 games as a redshirt freshman, amassing 15 tackles (3.5 for loss) and forcing a fumble. After missing his redshirt sophomore season due to another foot injury, Baun came back even stronger, finishing his redshirt junior season as the team’s third-leading tackler.

Baun’s formidable performance carried into his redshirt senior season, where he shone as a standout player, leading the Badgers in several metrics and gaining a spot on the midseason All-American lists from the Associated Press and Sporting News. The season concluded with an impressive 76 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks, earning him a first-team spot in All-Big Ten and All-American lists.

After an excellent college career, Baun was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round, 74th overall, in the 2020 NFL draft. He made his professional debut on September 21, 2020, during Monday Night Football, playing against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite some temporary setbacks due to a calf injury in 2022 that prematurely ended his season, Baun made an impressive comeback.

In 2024, Baun made a significant career transition, signing a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. His performance at his new club was nothing short of sensational, as demonstrated in his first game, where he made 15 total tackles and two sacks. This impressive performance played a crucial role in the Eagles’ 34-29 victory over the Packers, marking his first career multi-sack game. His journey continues, promising more thrilling games and outstanding performances.