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Perry Baker
Perry Baker
Perry Baker
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Perry Baker (born June 29, 1986) is an American former rugby union player who played for the United States national rugby sevens team. He is a two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year. At the time of his retirement, with 293 tries Baker ranked first among Americans and second among all international players in tries scored.[1] He also ranked 7th on the all-time point-scoring list with 1,467.[1]

Key Information

American football

[edit]

Baker played college football for NCAA Division II Fairmont State University in West Virginia. He graduated from Fairmont State in 2010 with a degree in Criminal Justice.[2]

Baker was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) in July 2011, but he suffered a knee injury that cut short his NFL career.[3][4] Baker played two seasons for the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League from 2012 to 2013.[5][6]

Rugby career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Baker was introduced to rugby by one of Baker's former high school football coaches in 2006. Baker played with the Daytona Beach Coconuts in 2012, leading them to a ninth-place finish at the club sevens national tournament.[7] Baker took up rugby full-time in 2013 and joined the Tiger Rugby Academy in Columbus, Ohio, working under coach Paul Holmes.[8]

U.S. national team

[edit]

2014–16

[edit]

Baker signed a full-time contract with the U.S. Eagles in July 2014 to join the residency program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in San Diego, California.[8][9] Baker made his debut at the 2014 Gold Coast Sevens in Australia, where he entered the U.S. team's first match against Canada as a second-half substitute. Baker's first start and first try came in the U.S. team's third match of that tournament, against Argentina; he scored his first hat-trick also in that tournament, in the knockout rounds against Portugal.[10][11][12]

Baker played an instrumental role in the U.S. team's first-ever victory over New Zealand, scoring both tries in their 14–12 victory at the 2015 Dubai Sevens.[13] During the 2015-16 World Rugby Sevens Series Baker scored 48 tries during the season, a record high for a US player.[14] Baker was second only to South Africa's Seabelo Senatla in tries for the season, and Baker earned a place on the World Rugby dream team for the 2015–16 season.

Baker was a member of the United States men's rugby team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. He scored a try in the second half of the team's final pool match against Fiji.[15] The team did not advance past pool play.

2016–2020

[edit]

Baker had a productive 2016–17 season. At the 2016 South Africa Sevens, in the absence of regular captain Madison Hughes, Baker was named U.S. team captain for the tournament. At the 2017 Singapore Sevens, Baker ran 100 meters from his own in-goal area to score a try against Wales, which was voted by World Rugby as one of the tries of the tournament; in the match against Scotland Baker beat four defenders to set up a try for Stephen Tomasin, which was also voted as one of the best tries of the 2017 Singapore Sevens tournament. At the 2017 Paris Sevens Baker scored another length-of-the-field try, which was voted one of the best tries of the tournament. Baker finished the 2016-17 World Series with 57 tries, more than any other player. Baker's accomplishments were recognized by World Rugby. He was one of seven players named to the 2017 World Series Dream Team. He received the 2017 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award, beating out Fiji's Jerry Tuwai and South Africa's Roscko Specman.

Baker started slowly in the 2017–18 season, missing almost all of the first two tournaments due to a concussion. Baker was an important part of the U.S. victory at the 2018 USA Sevens, the team's first tournament win on home soil. Baker scored all of the team's three tries in the 17–12 quarterfinal win over England. In the semifinal against Fiji with the U.S. down 0–7 at halftime, Baker sparked the team with two second-half tries for a 19–7 comeback win. In the final against Argentina, Baker opened the scoring with a try en route to a 28–0 victory. Baker was leading all players in tries scored for the 2017–18 season before a shoulder injury would cause him to miss the last few tournaments of the season.

Baker had a quiet 2018–19 season, missing several tournaments due to injury.

On February 29, 2020, Baker became the second USA player, after his teammate Carlin Isles, to score 200 tries. He completed this feat in a 33–12 victory match against Scotland during the 2019-20 World Rugby Sevens Series in Los Angeles.[16]

2024 Summer Olympics

[edit]

At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Baker was the team's leading scorer in the group stage, led by four tries scored in a win against Uruguay national rugby sevens team that qualified the Eagles for a berth in the quarterfinals for the first time.[17] Baker led all players in the Paris Olympics with six total tries and 30 points scored (tied with Fiji's Iowane Teba).[18]

Retirement

[edit]

Baker announced in March 2024 that he intended to retire following the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.[19]

Return from retirement

[edit]

Baker came out of retirement to play for the Kalinga Black Tigers in the Rugby Premier League.[20]

Season by season

[edit]
WR Sevens Series
WR 7s Season Tries Scored USA Rank World Rank Accolades
2014–15 28 2nd 10th
2015–16 48 1st 2nd World Series Dream Team
2016–17 57 1st 1st 2017 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
World Series Dream Team
2017–18 37 2nd t4th 2018 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
2018–19 16 t5th —
2019–20 19 2nd 4th
2020–21 N/a N/a N/a
2021–22 23 1st t15th
2022–23 35 1st 4th
2023–24 25 1st 3rd
Career 293 1st 2nd

Source:[21]

Family

[edit]

Baker's older brother Dallas is a National Football League, Arena Football League and Canadian Football League player. Perry is the nephew of former NFL player and coach Wes Chandler.[4][22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Perry Baker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Perry Baker (born 1986) is an American player renowned for his exceptional speed and try-scoring ability, who has represented the from 2014 to present. Born in , Baker initially pursued a career in , graduating from with a degree in before signing as an undrafted free agent with the in 2011; however, a injury derailed his NFL aspirations, leading him to play indoor football in the . In 2013, inspired by ' inclusion in the Olympics, he transitioned to the sport by attending a trial at the Tiger Rugby Academy in , where he initially lived out of his truck due to financial constraints before securing a professional contract with the U.S. national sevens program in . Baker made his international debut for the USA Sevens team in 2014 at age 28 under coach Mike Friday, quickly establishing himself as a prolific scorer with 48 tries in the 2015–16 Sevens Series, finishing second in the try-scoring standings. Baker's career peaked with back-to-back Sevens Player of the Year awards in 2017 and 2018, making him the only men's player to achieve this honor twice, and he amassed a total of 293 tries on the circuit, often partnering with fellow speedster in a duo nicknamed "Speedstick." He competed in three —Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), and 2024—where he set a record by scoring four tries in a single men's match during the Paris tournament. After a decade with the team, Baker announced his initial retirement from playing on October 14, 2024, following the season, and transitioned to an assistant coaching role with the USA men's sevens team; however, he returned to competitive play in 2025 as a reserve for the USA in the Singapore Sevens and as a player for the Kalinga Black Tigers in India's inaugural Rugby Premier League.

Early life

Childhood and family

Perry Baker was born on June 29, 1986, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to parents Dallas Baker and Lolita McGraw. Raised in the small coastal town of New Smyrna Beach in a working-class family with deep roots in Southern U.S. culture, Baker grew up surrounded by athletic influences that shaped his early passion for sports. His father played a pivotal role in his upbringing, stressing the need for strong grades and warning that failing academically could lead to losing sports opportunities or even force him into manual labor, which motivated Baker to balance his interests. Baker's family included an older brother, also named , and an uncle, , both of whom achieved professional success in the after starring at the , fostering a household dynamic centered on football excellence and perseverance. This environment, combined with extended family ties to generations of ministers, instilled values of discipline and community support that guided his youth. From a young age in this modest Southern setting, Baker was exposed to multiple sports, including and , playing informally on local sandlots where games emphasized speed and , before channeling his energy into organized football during high .

Education and early athletics

Perry Baker was born and raised in , attending Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange in the nearby Daytona Beach area. There, he competed in football, , and , excelling particularly in sprint events and as a on the football team during his senior year in 2004–2005. In track, he specialized in the 200-meter dash, achieving a of 23.57 seconds, along with strong performances in the 100-meter and . Baker's family, with its deep roots in football, provided encouragement that helped fuel his passion for the sport during his high school years. Following high school, Baker enrolled at in , where he joined the football team as a for the Fighting Falcons from 2007 to 2010. Over his college career, he recorded 90 receptions for 1,552 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also contributing 367 rushing yards and three additional scores; he earned first-team All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in both 2008 and 2009. At Fairmont State, Baker majored in and graduated in 2013, managing the demands of his studies alongside a competitive athletic schedule that included overcoming injuries in his junior year.

American football career

College career

Baker played as a for the , an program in the (WVIAC), from 2007 to 2010. After redshirting in 2006, he appeared in 32 games over four seasons, contributing primarily on offense and special teams. As a redshirt freshman in 2007, Baker saw action in all 11 games, recording 12 receptions for 229 yards and one while adding 11 solo tackles on special teams coverage units. In 2008, Baker emerged as a key offensive contributor, starting four of 11 games with 34 receptions for 589 yards and nine touchdowns, alongside 18 rushes for 258 yards and two scores, tying for the lead in scoring with 66 points. His performance earned him First Team All-WVIAC honors, Second Team All-Region recognition, and two WVIAC Offensive Player of the Week awards. The following year, injuries limited him to 10 games, where he managed 16 catches for 233 yards and 10 rushes for 65 yards and one touchdown. Baker rebounded in his senior season of 2010, helping the to a 7-4 record, though specific game logs highlight standout efforts like a six-reception, 158-yard outing against . Over his career, Baker amassed 90 receptions for 1,552 yards and 19 receiving , ranking third in program history for touchdown catches, while adding 367 rushing yards and three rushing scores. He received All-WVIAC first-team honors twice and was a second-team All-Region selection once. Baker graduated from Fairmont State in 2010 with a degree in .

Professional attempts

After going undrafted in the following his senior season at , Perry Baker signed with the as an undrafted on July 26, 2011. He attended the team's that summer, where his exceptional speed attracted attention as a potential asset for the roster. However, Baker was released prior to the preseason due to a failed stemming from a knee injury. Unable to secure another NFL opportunity, Baker transitioned to the , signing with the ahead of the 2012 season. In his debut year, he appeared in limited action, recording just 1 reception for 23 yards. Baker saw expanded playing time in 2013, starting as a and contributing offensively with 27 receptions for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also logging defensive snaps with 7 total tackles. These performances underscored his versatility and speed in the fast-paced arena format, though he did not return to the Power or pursue further professional football after the 2013 season.

Rugby sevens career

Transition to rugby

After facing repeated rejections in his pursuit of an NFL career, including being cut from the training camp in 2011 due to a torn meniscus and subsequent stints in , Perry Baker turned to in 2014 at age 28. Motivated by financial struggles and the realization that sevens rugby emphasized speed and agility—qualities honed during his background and days as a —Baker saw the sport as a viable path to professional athletics. His prior football experience provided a key asset in the fast-paced sevens format, where explosive bursts of speed were crucial. Baker's entry into rugby came through recruitment by USA Rugby, facilitated by connections with the Glendale Raptors club and an invitation to trial with the Tiger Rugby Academy in Columbus, Ohio. In late 2013, he joined a month-long training camp there, enduring humble conditions by sleeping in his truck or on a couch amid an overcrowded rugby house, while dedicating himself to learning the sport's fundamentals. This led to his selection for the USA Rugby residency program at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, in 2014, where he began formal integration into the national setup. The adaptation from and initial exposure to traditional 15-a-side rugby to the seven-player variant presented significant challenges, including mastering complex rules, positioning, and the non-stop intensity without timeouts. Baker spent nearly a year at the Tiger Rugby Academy focusing on these elements, undergoing a physical transformation by building muscle mass from his lean 135-pound college frame to better withstand rugby's contact demands, reaching around 73 kilograms. His first competitive exposure occurred in domestic tournaments, such as those with Tiger Rugby in , where early performances were modest but demonstrated his growing proficiency through persistent effort and rule comprehension.

Early club career

Following his transition from due to a , Perry Baker immersed himself in club , beginning with the Daytona Beach Coconuts in . In 2012, he played a leading role for the team, helping them secure a ninth-place finish at the USA Club Rugby Sevens National Championships, where his speed and try-scoring prowess drew initial attention from national selectors. In 2013, Baker relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to join the Tiger Rugby Academy, committing to full-time training under coach Mike Friday. This stint marked a pivotal shift, as he lived frugally—often sleeping on a couch in a shared apartment—to focus exclusively on the sport, participating in domestic trials and qualifiers that honed his competitive edge. His performances in early regional tournaments, including scoring multiple tries in sevens qualifier events, further elevated his profile within U.S. rugby circles. During these formative years, Baker refined sevens-specific techniques like offloading the ball to support players and evasive maneuvers to beat defenders, adapting from his football instincts of solo ball-carrying as a to rugby's emphasis on quick distribution and team support. In 2014, representing the Falcons at the Serevi RugbyTown 7s in , he contributed key plays in the Cup Final against Denver Select, demonstrating his explosive pace and earning broader recognition ahead of his national team integration.

U.S. national team debut and early years (2014–2016)

Perry Baker made his debut for the national team in 2014 at the age of 28, joining the residency program in , before competing in the Sevens Series. His first international appearance came at the Gold Coast Sevens in in October 2014, where he scored six tries overall, including a in a single match against , immediately showcasing his exceptional speed and athleticism as a winger. This performance earned him recognition as a promising newcomer transitioning from , though he faced challenges integrating into the team, particularly in adapting to rugby's defensive demands after years in an offensive role. In his debut 2014–15 season, Baker quickly established himself as a key offensive threat, scoring 28 tries across the tournaments, which led the U.S. team and highlighted his role in breaking down defenses with explosive runs. His selection for the national team stemmed from strong performances in domestic club rugby. Baker's early contributions helped the U.S. team improve its standing, though the group dynamic required him to overcome initial hurdles in team chemistry and the fast-paced nature of sevens rugby. By the end of the season, his impact was acknowledged with a shortlist for World Rugby's Sevens Rookie of the Year award. Baker's momentum carried into 2015, where he was named to the U.S. roster for the in , , selected based on his consistent form and speed that complemented the team's strategy. The U.S. men's team secured a at the event, defeating 40–12 in the match after a semifinal loss to , marking an improvement from their 2011 performance. During the 2015–16 season, Baker elevated his game further, leading the U.S. with 48 tries—the second-highest total on the —while continuing to develop as a versatile winger who combined scoring prowess with defensive contributions. His rapid rise during these years solidified his position as a cornerstone of the emerging U.S. program.

World Series and major tournaments (2016–2020)

Baker made his Olympic debut at the in Rio de Janeiro, where he represented the in the tournament. The U.S. team advanced to the quarterfinals after pool play victories, including a 24–19 win over in which Baker scored a try in the second half, but ultimately finished ninth overall after a 26–0 loss to . Known for his exceptional speed—estimated at close to 10.5 seconds for 100 meters—Baker was one of the fastest players in the competition, contributing to the team's dynamic attacking play. During the 2016–17 Sevens Series, Baker led the circuit with a world-record 57 tries across 17 tournaments, helping the U.S. team secure multiple finishes and earning him selection to the Dream Team. His dominance continued in the 2017–18 season with 37 tries, securing second place on the try-scoring leaderboard and back-to-back Sevens Player of the Year awards—the first American to achieve the honor twice. Baker's contributions were pivotal in key victories, such as the U.S. team's 28–0 Cup final win over at the 2018 Sevens, where he scored multiple tries, and their title retention with a 27–0 final triumph against in 2019. Over this period, he amassed more than 150 tries in play, establishing himself as the circuit's premier finisher. The U.S. team's strong performances, bolstered by Baker's scoring prowess, ensured qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by finishing in the top four at the end of the 2018–19 season, confirmed after reaching the Cup quarterfinals at the London Sevens. However, the tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the , disrupting the 2019–20 season after just two events. Baker faced setbacks, including a broken sustained in a head-high tackle during the 2019 Hamilton Sevens, which sidelined him for the remainder of that tournament and affected team momentum amid rising expectations for Olympic contention. Despite these challenges, his leadership and speed remained central to the U.S. squad's evolving dynamics as they prepared for the delayed Games.

2024 Summer Olympics and initial retirement

Baker continued competing after the Tokyo Olympics—where he recovered from a broken fibula to participate—through the 2023–24 World Series season before returning specifically for the Paris 2024 Games at age 38, marking his third Olympic appearance. Selected as one of the oldest players on the roster, Baker served as a veteran leader, mentoring younger teammates like Faitala Talapusi and Lucas Lacamp while leveraging his elite speed—nicknamed "Speedstick"—to drive team performance. His preparation involved rigorous training focused on maintaining explosive pace and tactical support, including key tune-up events like the Hong Kong Sevens to build momentum ahead of the Stade de France competitions. During the tournament, Baker emerged as the team's leading scorer in the pool stage, tallying six tries across the matches, including a remarkable four tries in a single game against —a 33-17 victory that propelled the U.S. into the quarterfinals. His efforts helped the secure an eighth-place finish overall, highlighted by an emotional performance in the placement matches, where he equaled and then surpassed the men's Olympic rugby try-scoring record with a career total of 10 tries. Baker's contributions underscored his role in fostering team resilience, culminating in a poignant farewell that honored his decade-long impact on the sport. In October 2024, Baker formally announced his retirement from international after 10 years with the U.S. program, reflecting on the profound honor of representing his country across three Olympics, the lifelong friendships formed, and the highs and lows that shaped his journey from to global stardom. He expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans, emphasizing the sport's transformative role in his life while highlighting career milestones such as his two Sevens Player of the Year awards and a World Record for the most clean breaks (235) in World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments. Baker's departure marked the end of an era, with plans to transition into coaching to continue influencing the next generation.

Returns and later career (2025)

Following his initial retirement after the , Perry Baker made an unexpected return to competitive rugby in 2025, driven by his enduring passion for the sport and a desire to inspire the next generation. In April 2025, Baker rejoined the USA Men's Sevens program as a reserve for the Singapore tournament, marking his first involvement with the national team since retiring. Although he saw limited playing time during the event, Baker contributed significantly through mentorship, sharing his expertise with younger players to help build team depth and strategy. Later that month, Baker signed with the Kalinga Black Tigers in India's inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), debuting in the professional 15s competition at age 38. He quickly demonstrated his enduring speed and skill, scoring a standout solo try in a June 2025 match that evoked his signature "Flash" style from his sevens heyday. Throughout 2025, Baker explored opportunities in (MLR), engaging in discussions with teams about a potential transition to 15s rugby despite challenges like the ' withdrawal from the season. His unretirement was motivated by a deep-seated passion for rugby and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, including boosting the sport's visibility in the United States.

World Rugby Sevens Series Statistics

The following table summarizes Perry Baker's performance in the (now HSBC SVNS) from 2014–15 to 2023–24, including tries scored and approximate points (calculated as 5 points per try, as wingers typically do not convert). Appearances refer to the number of events participated in; detailed per-season appearances are not publicly itemized, but total career appearances across 71 tournaments equate to over 240 individual matches played.
SeasonTriesPoints (approx.)Notes on Ranking
2014–15281402nd on USA team, 10th overall
2015–16482401st on USA team, 2nd overall
2016–17572851st on USA team, 1st overall
2017–18371852nd on USA team, 4th overall
2018–1916805th on USA team
2019–2019952nd on USA team
2020–2100Season canceled due to
2021–22231151st on USA team, 5th overall
2022–23351751st on USA team, 4th overall
2023–24251251st on USA team, 3rd overall
Total2931,465Second all-time in series tries; over 240 caps in series matches (per-season sum 288; total verified including all SVNS events)
Note: The 2024–25 SVNS season partial stats are unavailable as Baker retired from international sevens in October 2024 prior to the season's start.

Olympic and Major Tournament Aggregates

Perry Baker represented the United States in three Olympic Games, scoring a total of 10 tries (all-time record for men's Olympic sevens) across 15 matches (5 per Olympics), contributing to over 200 total international caps when including series and other tournaments. Team placements: 9th in Rio 2016, 8th in Tokyo 2020, 8th in Paris 2024. In major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup Sevens, he played in 2018 (USA 5th place) and 2022 (USA 9th place), adding approximately 15 additional tries (approximate; exact figures not publicly detailed).
Tournament TypeTotal CapsTotal TriesTeam Placements
Olympics (2016, 2020, 2024)15109th (2016), 8th (2020), 8th (2024)
(2018, 2022)12~155th (2018), 9th (2022)
Overall Major Tournaments~27~25N/A

Club League Statistics (Rugby Premier League 2025)

In the 2025 Rugby (), Perry Baker played for the Kalinga , appearing in 6 matches and scoring 5 tries for 25 points (no conversions). This marked his return to competitive after international .
Season/LeagueTeamGames PlayedTriesPoints
2025 RPL (partial, as of Nov 2025)Kalinga 6525

Personal life and legacy

Family and personal interests

Perry Baker married Brittany Baker in 2019 after beginning their relationship in 2016. The couple has built a blended family that includes Brittany's two sons from a previous —one of whom, Isaiah Sutton, is an aspiring player—and their young son together, resulting in Baker having three boys aged approximately two to 20 as of late 2024. Baker has often credited his family for providing essential emotional support amid the demands of his international rugby career, which involved extensive travel before they started their family. In interviews, he has described the challenge of balancing fatherhood with professional commitments, expressing a desire to be more present at home for milestones like his sons' birthdays and daily activities. Beyond family, Baker maintains a range of personal interests that reflect his energetic personality and help him unwind from athletic rigors. His hobbies include , , gaming, , , , bike riding, and quality time with loved ones. He particularly enjoys and card games like Uno, which he has used not only for personal relaxation but also to foster team bonding and sharpen mental focus during rugby tours. Baker also demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement through coaching and mentoring young athletes. He takes great pleasure in running youth rugby camps to inspire and teach the next generation, drawing from his own experiences growing up in as the son of Lolita McGraw and . This philanthropic effort underscores his dedication to giving back, especially to underserved communities interested in rugby.

Awards and honors

Perry Baker has received numerous accolades throughout his rugby sevens career, recognizing his exceptional speed, try-scoring prowess, and overall impact on the sport. In 2017 and 2018, he was named the Sevens Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the award consecutively; these honors were largely attributed to his league-leading try totals and dominant performances, including 57 tries in the 2016–17 season. Baker was selected for three Olympic teams, competing in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), and the 2024 Paris Games, where he became the all-time leading men's try-scorer in Olympic history with 10 tries across the events. He also contributed to the ' bronze medal at the 2015 in , marking a significant early international achievement for the team. Among his other notable honors, Baker earned spots on the Dream Team in 2016 and 2017, highlighting his status as one of the top performers in the annual series. In , he set a for the most clean breaks made in Series tournaments (235 as of January 2019), underscoring his elusiveness and ability to evade defenders. Earlier in his career, following his debut 2014–15 season, he was shortlisted for the of the Year . Prior to his rugby career, Baker's athletic talents were recognized at , where he received All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors as a , including a first-team selection, and was named the male recipient of the school's Athlete of Distinction award in 2010.

Post-athletic contributions

Following his initial retirement after the , Perry Baker transitioned into coaching roles to mentor the next generation of American rugby players. In March 2025, he conducted an exclusive sevens training session at , working with both men's and women's teams to share his expertise on speed and tactical play. Later that year, in April 2025, Baker was appointed head coach for the Dallas Rugby men's sevens team for the 2025 season, focusing on developing local talent in . Baker's coaching extended to national-level clinics through the LIT Rugby Sevens program. In October 2025, during a camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, he delivered hands-on sessions on defensive strategies, including a detailed Instagram video breakdown of sevens defense techniques, emphasizing positioning and quick transitions to inspire young athletes. He followed this as for the LIT Camp at in , from November 14-16, 2025, where he led sessions for youth and adult participants aged 13 and older, drawing on his Olympic experience to promote skill development and passion for the sport. As a trailblazer who popularized in the United States through his transition from and three Olympic appearances, Baker has continued to serve as an informal ambassador for , using media platforms to grow the domestic game post-Olympics. His social media content and camp appearances highlight rugby's , encouraging broader participation and inspiring underrepresented communities to pursue the .

References

  1. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/perry-baker
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  33. https://www.facebook.com/dallenstanford/videos/2014-rugbytown-7s-final-highlights/3051618414999046/
  34. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/13/usa-sevens-rugby-perry-baker-eagles-arena-football
  35. https://eagles.rugby/news/2x-world-rugby-player-of-the-year-winner-perry-baker-announces-retirement-from-usa-mens-sevens-20241014
  36. https://goffrugbyreport.com/news/all-time-american-list-perry-baker
  37. https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/07/03/usa-names-roster-for-pan-am-games/
  38. https://usa.rugby/news/usa-rugby-names-2019-u-s-pan-american-games-mens-sevens-team
  39. https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/28/sport/gallery/perry-baker-usa-sevens-rugby-las-vegas
  40. https://www.world.rugby/news/71194/usa-win-historic-cup-in-emphatic-fashion-at-the-london-sevens
  41. https://usa.rugby/news/perry-baker-earns-consecutive-world-rugby-mens-sevens-player-of-the-year-award
  42. https://www.world.rugby/news/399153/usa-retain-their-title-at-hsbc-usa-sevens
  43. https://www.olympics.com/en/video/isles-and-thompson-react-after-usa-rugby-seal-tokyo-2020-qualification/
  44. https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2019/01/26/perry-baker-suffers-broken-jaw-in-hamilton/
  45. https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/us-rugby-star-perry-baker-balancing-paris-olympics-preparations-amid-post-retirement-plans
  46. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-2024/results/rugby-sevens/men
  47. https://www.world.rugby/news/946191/olympic-games-paris-2024-mens-day-two-session-one-recap?lang=en
  48. https://eagles.rugby/news/usa-mens-sevens-finish-eighth-at-olympic-games-paris-2024-2024727
  49. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/558105-most-clean-breaks-made-in-world-rugby-sevens-series-tournaments
  50. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/svns-series-icon-perry-baker-named-as-usa-reserve-for-singapore/
  51. https://www.rugbypremierleague.in/players/perry-baker-profile-402
  52. https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2024/10/14/perry-baker-calls-time-on-glittering-rugby-sevens-career/
  53. https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/former-fairmont-state-west-virginia-football-star-perry-baker-sets-olympic-history-twice/article_869b5334-4d18-11ef-808d-dbac6a718c14.html
  54. https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/rio-2016/results/rugby/rugby-7-men
  55. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/americans-perry-baker-and-lucas-lacamp-star-in-dominant-rpl-win/
  56. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/perry-baker-wife
  57. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-rugby-sevens-teammates-competition-singing-dancing-games
  58. https://www.teamusa.com/news/2021/may/19/through-ups-and-downs-perry-baker-has-found-his-purpose-as-olympic-rugby-player-and-mentor
  59. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/136324
  60. https://www.ncr.rugby/news/perry-baker-to-run-exclusive-7s-training-session-at-st-marys-college-of-maryland
  61. https://www.instagram.com/p/DI4I1dIPM2e/
  62. https://www.facebook.com/LIT7s/videos/elite-breakdown-iq-watch-perry-baker-break-down-how-to-defend-in-rugby-sevens-wi/1175614861084984/
  63. https://www.lit7s.com/the-img-experience-lit-rugby-sevens-camp-usa/
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