By Gabe Bestul, Current Staff
The NFL season has ended for the New Orleans Saints, but for linebacker Zack Baun, it’s a time of new beginnings.
Baun, a former Wisconsin Badger and student of West Bend East High School, became a free agent in January and is excited to sign with a team soon. He’s perhaps even more excited about what’s happening off the field. He and his wife Ali are expecting their first child in April.
“I’m really most excited about seeing him after practices and games,” Baun said. “After games I see my teammates’s kids running around playing on the field and I just can’t wait to have one myself.”
Baun is also excited about next season, even though he isn’t yet sure where he will be playing.
“Following this season my contract with the Saints will be up and I will become a free-agent where I will be free to sign with a team of my choosing,” Baun said.
Baun’s beginning was different than most as he moved between many schools before finally attending Silverbrook Intermediate School and being part of the West Bend School District. During high school, the East High Suns athletic programs were able to help him build his talents. Midway through high school, though, he transferred to Brown Deer High School, where he excelled in three sports, football, basketball and track. However, Baun always knew football was his calling.
The lifelong connections Baun made during his time with the Suns have helped him build his successful career in athletics.
“West Bend schools gave me the opportunity and support I needed to be successful,” Baun said. “I’ve made lifelong connections with many friends, families, coaches and teachers that have played a big role in where I am today.”
During his time on the Wisconsin Badgers football team, Baun was able to capture the attention of NFL scouts. In 2020, Baun entered the third round of the NFL draft and was the 74th pick.
That same year Baun married his wife, Ali. The two have spent their time in between New Orleans, for Baun’s work, and Wisconsin, for their family. Baun also used the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative to advocate and support the Special Olympic Games. Baun explains how he was able to design a Special Olympics cleat, wear it and then auction it off and raise money for the Special Olympics. This organization is close to his heart, as his brother participated in the games and Baun volunteered at the games.
“My Cause My Cleats is an NFL initiative that allows players to wear custom-designed cleats that express their commitment to any cause that is important to them,” Baun said. “I love it because it allows us to use our pedestal and voice to support causes most important to us.”
As Baun ends his fourth season with the New Orleans Saints, the future for Baun and his family is promising and full of success.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my NFL career,” Baun said. “I’m excited for the journey it takes me on.”
(Top image: Zack and Ali Baun with their dog, Chance, in 2020. Photo courtesy of Baun.)
The West Bend Current 