While Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts took home the Super Bowl 59 MVP award, many thought a defensive player — like Zack Baun — could have won it.
Baun joined the Eagles on a one-year contract in 2024 after a pedestrian four years with the New Orleans Saints. Yet, he was one of the chief architects behind the Eagles’ dominant 40-22 display on his return to the Caesars Superdome, making a team-high seven tackles.
The linebacker was overwhelmed with emotions on winning the Lombardi Trophy and said his “wild” 2024 season was worthy of being documented.
‘Maybe I’ll Write a Little Book About It’ – Zack Baun on His Wild 2024 Season
In his four seasons with the Saints, Baun recorded just one interception and was far from happy with his performances. In an interview with Yahoo Sports last year, the linebacker said he used to cry when returning home after the games.
Baun then welcomed his son, Ellian, in April 2024 before signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Eagles, and his life has completely turned around since.
After finishing fifth in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting, Baun made the crucial interception od Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter of Super Bowl 59, leading the Eagles’ revenge plot with a team-high seven tackles.
Former Wisconsin Badger Zack Baun intercepts Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl 🦡 pic.twitter.com/DQbqAMeeX9
— Badger Barstool (@badgerbarstool) February 10, 2025
Speaking with PFSN and other reporters after the game, Baun admitted it had been a crazy turnaround for him and said he might even write a book about it.
“A wild year that needs to be documented for sure. Maybe I’ll write a little book on it because it’s been crazy. From my son being born in April and moving to Philly three weeks later and getting to know the guys, the city, and moving my family.
“A lot of ups and downs, but the team and the guys embraced me and my family and just made us feel really comfortable. And accolades, personal accolades, with the Super Bowl being the biggest and the most meaningful one. It doesn’t feel real, it feels like a dream. I can’t even put it into words. The confetti falling, I’m so happy for this team. This is what we talked about, and just super thankful and excited.”
Baun played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ playoff run as well. He nabbed an interception in the Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers, recovered a fumble in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, and forced and recovered a fumble in the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders.