It’s been a rough end to the season for the Arizona Cardinals to say the least. Even in the most discouraging moments, strong safety Budda Baker and tight end Trey McBride never disappointed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The offensive and defensive leaders for the Cardinals continue to shine through the darkest of times in The Valley this season and will get a chance to represent Arizona with the NFL’s brightest stars in February.
Baker and McBride were named as 2025 Pro Bowl Games selection on Thursday.
Make it No. 7 ???? pic.twitter.com/c0V24YY7qi
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 2, 2025
Add Pro Bowler to his list of achievements. pic.twitter.com/xljBzh5bgi
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 2, 2025
Baker is no stranger to the NFL’s all-star selection, being selected to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his career. He was named the strong safety starter ahead of Detroit Lions strong safety Brian Branch.
The Cardinals’ defensive savior’s 155 total tackles are currently second most in the league behind AFC Pro Bowl inside/middle linebacker selection Zaire Franklin of the Indianapolis Colts. Baker leads all defensive backs in tackles and has racked up the most by any Cardinal since the late Pat Tillman in 2000.
Along with his excessive tally of tackles for a safety, Baker added nine tackles for loss, two sacks and five pass deflections this season. In the second of two losses to the Seattle Seahawks, he set a new franchise record and career-high for tackles in a single-game with 18. The Cardinals and Baker agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension in December.
McBride was selected for the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and deservingly so.
Arizona’s lead receiver reached the 1,000-yard mark in the season in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday with a 12-catch, 123-yard performance. It was McBride’s third game of the season with 12 catches.
Despite the loss, McBride was able to catch his first touchdown of the season. His highly anticipated trip to the end zone was long overdue.
RT if you were as happy as us to see a @mcbtrey receiving TD ????#WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/7KUf9ohUXV
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 30, 2024
The Cardinals’ 2024 Walter Patyon Man of the Year nominee’s 104 receptions on the season are tied for fourth behind fellow Pro Bowl selections Cincinatti Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (117), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (109) and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (108). His receptions have led to 1,081 receiving yards, the 11th most in the NFL. McBride will serve as the NFC’s backup tight end behind San Francisco 49er George Kittle.
Alongside Baker and McBride’s selections, return specialist DeeJay Dallas, offensive tackle Paris Johnson and kicker Chad Ryalnd were named as alternates. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games 7-on-7 matchup between the AFC and NFC will be played on Feb. 2.
Arizona Cardinals have 3 players fighting for last-minute Pro Bowl votes
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Reporter Jordyn Bennett covers the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State, Phoenix area sports and sports related topics. You can follow him on his X account, @j_bennett_live
