At times, a beard can be associated with wisdom and maturity. So when veteran safety Budda Baker grew out his, it was no surprise that he picked up the nickname “Uncle.”

“The guys mess with me,” said Baker, going into his ninth season. “But I’m still in my 20s, so I still feel great.”

Baker doesn’t have the biggest beard on the team — that distinction belongs to offensive lineman like Jonah Williams and Hjalte Froholdt– but he does have the experience that the new-look defense craves. Drafted in 2017, Baker, who just turned 29 in January, is the longest tenured Cardinal on the roster. (That doesn’t include Calais Campbell, who spent the first nine years of his 18-year career in Arizona).

It’s too early in the offseason for Baker to make any powerful statements about the revamped unit. At this point, he’s focused on getting to know his teammates.

Then again, he admitted that building trust is most important during this time of year.

“It’s developing and understanding the Cardinal way of how we speak football,” Baker said. “Everyone getting along and getting on the same page and being able to talk Cardinal football talk is the biggest thing.”

As a defensive captain, Baker serves as an extension of the coaching staff. He can be a help, whether it is veterans or rookies have to get acclimated to Nick Rallis’ system.

“There’s certain communication techniques that are subtly different,” Baker said. “I think that is for the better. It’s for the better of our team and for the better of each and every player to play at once Week 1 starts.”

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, mentorship is often an undervalued asset. But for the Arizona Cardinals, having Budda Baker—affectionately called “Uncle” by his younger teammates—means that the “Cardinal Way” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a living, breathing culture.

Baker, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most respected safeties, has embraced the role of elder statesman in the desert. While his on-field production continues to speak volumes, his greatest impact in recent seasons has come through his role as a mentor. He’s the veteran voice in the defensive backs room, the steady presence in the locker room, and the emotional leader who ensures that everyone wearing a Cardinals jersey understands what it means to play for Arizona.

Since being drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Baker has earned a reputation as one of the hardest-working players on the field. His highlight-reel hits, relentless motor, and ability to cover sideline to sideline have made him a cornerstone of Arizona’s defense. But as the Cardinals have gone through roster changes and coaching upheavals in recent years, Baker has found himself embracing a new challenge: guiding the next generation.

“It’s something I take pride in,” Baker said during a recent media session. “I remember when I was a rookie, and guys like Tyvon Branch and Antoine Bethea showed me the ropes. Now, I get to be that guy. I want the young guys to know that there’s a standard here—an expectation of how we prepare, how we compete, and how we carry ourselves.”

The “Cardinal Way” is more than just an organizational catchphrase. It represents a culture of accountability and excellence that’s been a foundational piece of Arizona’s identity since the franchise moved to the desert in 1988. For Baker, embodying that culture starts with the basics: showing up early, staying late, and setting an example in every drill and meeting.

During OTAs this spring, Baker was often seen working with rookies and second-year players long after the scheduled practice had ended. Whether it was offering pointers on footwork or demonstrating how to read offensive alignments, Baker’s presence was constant.

“He’s a leader in every sense,” said second-year cornerback Garrett Williams. “Budda doesn’t just tell you what to do—he shows you. He’s in the film room with us, he’s on the field giving us tips, and he’s always encouraging us to ask questions. He really makes sure we’re all locked in.”

This approach has resonated with younger players who are navigating the steep learning curve of the NFL. For many of them, the adjustment from college football to the professional game can be overwhelming. Baker’s calm, reassuring demeanor has provided a vital bridge.

What sets Baker apart isn’t just his wealth of experience—it’s the way he relates to his teammates. Despite his accolades, Baker remains remarkably humble and approachable. It’s that humility that’s earned him the nickname “Uncle” among his teammates—a sign of both respect and endearment.

“I think it’s funny,” Baker said with a grin. “They started calling me ‘Uncle Budda’ last year, and it kind of stuck. I guess it’s because I’ve been here for a while and I’ve seen a lot. But for me, it’s about helping these guys grow. We’re all in this together.”

His leadership style isn’t about barking orders or giving fiery speeches. Instead, it’s about consistency and a willingness to do the little things right. Whether it’s studying film until late at night or leading by example in the weight room, Baker’s approach is rooted in the idea that greatness is built on the back of relentless effort.

As Arizona’s defensive backfield continues to evolve, Baker’s role as the steady hand has become even more important. The Cardinals have invested heavily in young talent, with players like Williams and Marco Wilson taking on significant roles early in their careers. Baker’s mentorship has provided them with a blueprint for success.

“I’ll never forget my first camp with Budda,” said Wilson. “He pulled me aside and said, ‘Just focus on the details. Don’t worry about the big plays—those will come. But if you handle the small things, you’ll be in the right spot when it matters most.’ That advice has stuck with me.”

Baker’s ability to elevate those around him has been a consistent theme throughout his career. Even as he continues to play at a high level, he’s found fulfillment in helping his teammates reach their potential.

The past few seasons haven’t been easy for the Cardinals. A coaching change and a roster overhaul have created a sense of uncertainty in the building. But for Baker, those challenges are opportunities to reinforce what it means to be a Cardinal.

“Things change in this league all the time,” Baker acknowledged. “New coaches, new systems—it’s part of the game. But the one thing that shouldn’t change is how you approach your work. That’s the message I’m always trying to send.”

New head coach J.J. Gannon has praised Baker for his leadership, calling him “the heartbeat of the defense.” In Gannon’s defensive scheme, which places a premium on versatility and communication, Baker’s ability to diagnose plays and get his teammates lined up correctly has been invaluable.

Of course, Baker’s mentorship wouldn’t carry as much weight if he weren’t still performing at an elite level. Despite battling injuries last season, he still managed to lead the team in tackles and remain a disruptive force in the secondary.

“Budda’s not just a leader—he’s still one of the best safeties in football,” said defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. “The younger guys see that. They know if he’s telling them something, it’s coming from a guy who can back it up with his play.”

That credibility has allowed Baker to connect with teammates in a way that few others can. Whether it’s a rookie trying to carve out a role or a veteran looking to refine his craft, Baker’s insights carry weight.

For Baker, being a leader is about more than what happens between the lines. It’s also about building a culture that can endure long after he hangs up his cleats. He’s made it a point to foster relationships with his teammates off the field, organizing group dinners and team-building activities to strengthen their bond.

“I want these guys to know that I’ve got their backs, no matter what,” Baker said. “This is more than just football—it’s about family. When you build that trust off the field, it shows up on Sundays.”

That mindset has become a rallying cry for the Cardinals’ defense. In a league where roster turnover is constant, having a leader like Baker ensures that the core values of the team remain intact.

At 28, Baker is hardly old by NFL standards. But in a locker room filled with players still finding their footing, he’s embraced the role of elder statesman. It’s a role he never asked for but one he’s grown to cherish.

“I used to be the young guy in the room, looking up to the older guys,” he said. “Now I’m the one who’s supposed to be the example. It’s a little weird sometimes, but I love it. It pushes me to be better every day.”

That sense of responsibility has only deepened as Baker looks toward the future. He knows that one day, his playing career will end. But the culture he’s helped to build—the “Cardinal Way”—will carry on.

“I just want to leave this place better than I found it,” Baker said. “If I can do that, then I’ll know I did my job.”

As the Cardinals prepare for a new chapter under Gannon, they’ll lean heavily on Baker’s experience and steady presence. His ability to bridge the gap between past and future, between rookies and veterans, makes him an indispensable part of the team’s identity.

For the younger players, having “Uncle” Budda in their corner means more than just having a mentor—it means having a living example of what it looks like to be a Cardinal. For Baker, the journey is about more than accolades or Pro Bowls—it’s about passing the torch and ensuring that the next generation understands the true meaning of “The Cardinal Way.”