Budda Baker just added another well-deserved accolade to his résumé, taking home the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award during NFL Honors on Thursday night. And if you’ve followed Baker’s career, this one feels like a long time coming.
The award, named after the legendary Steelers founder and Hall of Famer Art Rooney, Sr., is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the core values of the game-fair play, respect for opponents, and integrity between the lines. In other words, it’s not just about talent-it’s about how you carry yourself when the lights are bright and the stakes are high.
For Baker, this wasn’t his first time in the conversation. In fact, it was his third straight year as a finalist, a testament to the consistency of his character and the respect he commands around the league. This year, that respect turned into recognition, as current NFL players voted him the winner.
Baker becomes just the second Cardinal to ever win the award, joining franchise icon Larry Fitzgerald, who took home the inaugural honor back in 2014. That’s some elite company, and it speaks volumes about the kind of leadership and presence Baker brings to the field. Like Fitzgerald, Baker has long been seen as a tone-setter-not just for his team, but across the league.
As part of the honor, Baker received a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to direct to a charity of his choice. Knowing the kind of teammate and community figure he’s been throughout his career, that money is likely headed somewhere meaningful.
The list of finalists this year was stacked with respected veterans. In the NFC, Baker was joined by linebackers Lavonte David (Tampa Bay) and Demario Davis (New Orleans), as well as offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (Minnesota).
The AFC group featured defensive tackles DeForest Buckner (Indianapolis), Harrison Phillips (New York Jets), and Zach Sieler (Miami), along with linebacker Kyle Van Noy (Baltimore). All of them are known for their professionalism and the example they set-on and off the field.
But in the end, it was Baker’s name called. And really, it’s hard to think of a more fitting recipient.
He plays the game with fire, but never crosses the line. He hits hard, but plays clean.
He’s a leader in every sense of the word, and now he’s got the hardware to prove it.
For a player who’s built his career on heart, hustle, and humility, the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award is more than just a trophy-it’s a reflection of everything Budda Baker brings to the game.