Shalon Baker facts for kids
Shalon Baker, born on August 22, 1973, is a former professional football player and coach. He played in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL).
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 22, 1973 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Montana |
| Playing career | |
| 1991-1994 | Montana |
| 1995-1996 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1997 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 1998-2005 | San Jose SaberCats |
| Position(s) | Wide receiver |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2003-2004 | Desert Mountain H.S. (OC) |
| 2006-2009 | Chandler H.S. (PGC/WR) |
| 2010-2012 | Montana (WR) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
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|
Contents
Early Life and High School
Shalon Baker grew up in Vancouver, Washington. He attended Evergreen High School. He graduated from high school in 1991.
College Football Career
Shalon Baker played college football for the University of Montana Grizzlies from 1991 to 1994. He was a talented wide receiver. During his time there, he caught passes for 2,561 yards. This was the third-best record in the school's history. He also scored 26 touchdown receptions, which was a team record.
Professional Playing Career
Canadian Football League (CFL)
After college, Baker moved to Canada to play in the Canadian Football League. He joined the Edmonton Eskimos in 1995. In his first season, he had 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 5 touchdowns. For his amazing performance, he won the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award. He also received the Jackie Parker Trophy. Baker played two more years in the CFL. He spent one season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1997 before leaving the league.
Arena Football League (AFL)
In 1998, Baker began playing in the Arena Football League (AFL). He joined the San Jose SaberCats as a wide receiver and linebacker. He played for the SaberCats for seven years. During this time, he caught 261 passes for 3,551 yards. He also scored 61 touchdowns. On defense, he made 128 tackles and had 7 interceptions.
Baker became an all-time leader for the San Jose SaberCats in assisted tackles. He also ranked in the top 10 in nine other categories for the team.
Coaching and Later Career
After his playing career, Shalon Baker started coaching. In 2006, he became the Offensive Coordinator for the San Jose SaberCats. Under his leadership, the SaberCats' offense became very successful.
Later, Baker worked as an offensive analyst for the Chandler Wolves at Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona. The Chandler Wolves won three state championships during this time. In 2010, he returned to his old college team, the University of Montana. He became the Grizzlies' Wide Receivers Coach.
Today, Shalon Baker is a single father to his daughters Kailyn, Quincy, and Kendal, and his son Mason. He works as a Business Development Specialist for Stockman Bank in Missoula, Montana. He also co-owns Enzacare, a company that helps clean up microbes.
