Only three former Cardinals have been to the Pro Bowl more than Baker. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had 11 selections, followed by the eight for defensive backs Patrick Peterson and Larry Wilson.
The Pro Bowl experience is nothing new for the Cardinals captain, and last year, Baker and the NFC won 64-59 in the flag game.
“I like the different events,” said Baker, who has played in the Pro Bowl when it still resembled a regular game. “It’s cool for people that don’t really see our faces because we’re in helmets.”
“I’m just trying to have a good time out there and not take things super serious but just relish the moment,” he added.
Even at 29, Baker continues to play at a high level. The second-team All-Pro safety set a career-high with 164 tackles this season. Sustained success under his recently signed contract extension will likely allow him to pass Peterson and Wilson’s Pro Bowl nods.
But that’s in the future. For this weekend, Baker is focused on the present, and the Pro Bowl veteran hopes his teammate does the same.
“There’s a schedule that you have in the Pro Bowl so (McBride) will be at all the things and I’ll be trying to hand out with him at certain times,” Baker said. “He’ll have a great time and I’m kind of just going to let him relish his moment of being in the Pro Bowl and be with the other tight ends and with the NFC guys. Just have a good time because that’s what it’s all about.”