Al “Bubba” Baker - Cleveland

In the 1978 NFL draft, Al “Bubba” Baker was the Detroit Lions 1st pick of the second round. As a rookie, he was voted to the All-Pro Team, Defensive Lineman of the Year, Rookie of the Year and had 23 sacks. He also played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and after a short stay with the Minnesota Vikings returned to finish his career as a Browns player. He played in 6 Pro Bowls, 3 AFC-NFC Championship games. Baker was also recognized by Sports Illustrated as the 9th Greatest Pass Rusher in NFL History.

As a pro athlete Al’s been speaking to businesses, churches and schools since 1978. Baker and his family were successful franchises in Mail Boxes, Etc., where his company was number 1 in sales and service ’90-’93 in Northeast Ohio. He then moved on to restaurants, Bubba’s-Q American Cuisine and Ribs. At the present time he manufactures and distributes his sauces, BUBBA’S-Q QUALITY SAUCES, in 4 states and has a catering company. While Motivational Speaking and the Art of Positive Thinking are trademarks of Al’s, his most satisfying hobby is collecting gourmet recipes and family outings. He lives in Avon, Ohio, a rural suburb of Cleveland with his wife Sabrina and children Nicole 26, Brittani Bo 15, James IV 10 years old.