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Cardinals safety Budda Baker shares update after scary hit in playoff game

The hit with Cam Akers left Baker motionless on the field for several minutes, but officials said he never lost movement or sensation in his extremities.
Credit: AP
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

PHOENIX — Amidst the devastating 34-11 defeat to the Rams Monday night, there was some actual good news for the Cardinals. After a vicious hit with Rams running back Cam Akers, safety Budda Baker shared a positive update on his condition.

Tuesday afternoon, the Cardinals tweeted out a statement from the Arizona safety sharing the news fans couldn't wait to hear.

"Thank you for all the well wishes and the prayers from everyone. I appreciate you guys," Baker said. "Everything came out clean."

Baker went on to say he's going to make a full recovery and ready to return home to the Grand Canyon state.

"I haven't been able to shower, I stink still, and just ready to get back home to be with my family," he stated. "Love you guys, appreciate all y'all always sending love."

Cardinals Senior Vice President of Media Relations Mark Dalton shared a photo of Baker on his flight back home to the Valley and he looks to be in good spirits.

When the tackle initially happened, Baker immediately went limp and was motionless on the field. It took several minutes to get Baker safely onto a stretcher so he could be evaluated at a nearby hospital.

It's certainly good to see he didn't suffer any significant or prolonged injuries from the incident.

Arizona sports 

The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.  

The Cardinals have made the State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers also play at the Footprint. Phoenix has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC. 

The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall; and Cactus League Spring Training.

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