WISCONSIN — Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and Wisconsin native Zack Baun has been named a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Baun joins four other finalists, including defensive ends Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson, cornerback Pat Surtain II and linebacker T.J. Watt.
Baun would be the first Eagle to receive the award since NFL hall-of-famer Reggie White in 1987.
Winners will be announced Feb. 6 at the NFL Honors.
Baun was a three-sport athlete during his time at Brown Deer High School, where he played football, basketball and ran track. On the football field, Baun played both quarterback and linebacker.
For his senior season, Baun was named the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) State Offensive Player of the Year. He led the state with 39 rushing touchdowns and added 20 passing touchdowns.
He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, opting to stay in his home state for college. Baun turned his focus to the linebacker position for the Badgers. His collegiate career started off slowly, he dealt with nagging foot injuries.
Baun’s final year at Wisconsin was his strongest, as the senior recorded 76 tackles and 12.5 sacks. He was named to the first-team All-Big Ten and a consensus All-American that year.
Baun was drafted 74th overall by the New Orleans Saints. After four quiet seasons in New Orleans, the Eagles signed Baun to a one-year deal for the 2024 season.
He started in 16 games for the Eagles, recording 151 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Baun has been a key contributor to the Eagles’ defensive success. Wisconsin fans can continue to watch Baun as the Eagles take on the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.