Wisconsin fans, media react to former Badger Zack Baun leading Eagles to Super Bowl 59 win

The Wisconsin football program was guaranteed to see an alumnus host the Super Bowl trophy on Sunday night.

Linebacker Zack Baun led a Philadelphia Eagles defense on one sideline, while Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal entered the contest in search of his third title in as many seasons in the league.

In the end, it was Baun with his hand on the trophy. The Eagles blew out the Chiefs 40-22 in the big game. That score doesn’t do a full justice to the Eagles’ dominance in all three facets — Philadelphia led 34-0 late in the third quarter before Kansas City finally cracked the scoreboard.

Baun was right in the middle of the lopsided result. He finished with seven tackles (three solo) and an acrobatic interception. According to Wisconsin football’s Nate Jelinek, Baun is only the second former Badger to record an interception in the Super Bowl, following Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Odomes in Super Bowl XXVIII.

Baun’s terrific night caps off a career season. He signed with the Eagles last March after four quiet years with the New Orleans Saints. He turned that opportunity into 151 tackles, 11 for loss, five quarterback hits, 3 1/2 sacks, four pass deflections, five forced fumbles and an interception in the regular season, then 33 tackles, two for loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in four playoff games.

The former Wisconsin pass-rusher (2016-19) hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the home of the team that let him walk out the door last offseason for a minimum contract.

Baun’s story is one of the best of the 2024 NFL season. He became one of the Eagles’ most valuable players throughout the year, capped off by being named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. His performance on Sunday was integral to the Eagles’ dominant win, accurately reflecting one of the best seasons from a former Badger linebacker in recent memory.

Wisconsin football fans and media all celebrated Baun’s performance on the big stage. Here are some of the best reactions:

The interception

Generational run

Baun joins the list of former Badgers to win the Super Bowl

Big Cat chimes in

Baun’s place in history

Don’t forget he was a dominant high school quarterback

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