PHX Reporter

Budda Baker began training camp, marking the scheduled final year of his contract, by making a significant impression during the first team meeting.

After owner Michael Bidwill, senior vice president of media relations Mark Dalton, and coach Jonathan Gannon addressed the team Tuesday evening at The Wigwam resort, the Pro Bowl safety stood up and spoke "off the cuff," according to Gannon on Wednesday before the team's first practice.

"(Budda) is everything we're about," Gannon stated. "He practices the right way, he plays the right way. You should hear him in meetings. He asks a ton of questions when he probably knows the answers but he's asking because his buddy doesn't want to ask the question."

Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting mentioned that Baker's message conveyed his excitement to be around his teammates and how positive he feels about the upcoming season.

When asked if he has considered what it would be like if Baker departed as a free agent after the season, Gannon responded, "I don't get into feelings in the future."

Baker was notably captured by Hard Knocks cameras in 2022 with a vocal plea to his teammates following a difficult loss at home to the Eagles. Gannon remarked that Baker "has a unique gift" as a vocal leader.

"He's a phenomenal person and he's a phenomenal player," Gannon said. "I'm glad '3' is with us and he's going to play a big part in what we do this year."