Perry Baker’s rise from NFL heartbreak to SVNS Series legend

Perry Baker is one of the most recognisable and iconic athletes in HSBC SVNS Series history. As a two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Baker became a trailblazer for the growth of American rugby, which is a story of resilience and determination.

Baker always dreamed of playing in the NFL, and the man who would later be known worldwide as the ‘Speedstick’ appeared to be on track after starring as a collegiate wide receiver at Fairmont State – totalling more than 1,550 yards, 90 receptions and 19 touchdowns.

NFL giants the Philadelphia Eagles signed Baker as an undrafted free agent in 2011, but that lifelong dream was over before it really began, with the future SVNS Series superstar failing a medical because of a knee injury.

That was a setback but Baker didn’t exactly throw in the towel, persisting on that sporting dream by playing in the Arena Football League for the Pittsburgh Power, but eventually rugby sevens came calling as the American chased a spot on the Olympic team.

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as Baker transition to another sport, with the Floridian even telling himself at one stage, “I don’t want to play anymore.” But there was light at the end of the tunnel, with the pest control worker receiving a call that set him on the path to greatness.

“My first dream and my first goal was always playing in the NFL and I felt like I was right there, I had the opportunity, I was right there and next thing I know it’s just taken away from me. It was hard to transition to figure out what was next for me after chasing it for so long,” Baker said on RugbyPass TV’s HSBC Life On Tour.

“Once I saw that the sport of rugby was going to be an Olympic sport I was like, ‘You know what, I still have an opportunity to be on the big stage, to represent my family but a way out to show other people, hey, there’s more than just being stuck in the hood.’

“I’m like, ‘Man, I can see myself on cereal boxes, billboards and I’m like, ‘You know what, I’m going to be an Olympic athlete. I’m about to go play rugby, I’m going to learn rugby.’ It was tough. I went to Ohio and man, I just felt like I wasn’t getting my opportunity, I wasn’t getting a breakthrough at all.

“There was times where I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done playing, I don’t want to play anymore’… it just made my think about the same situations happen with the NFL. I was told I’d get a futures contract, that never came back around; I was told to do x, y, z, so many different workouts, I did and still nothing. I went to so many other workouts for CFL teams, still nothing.

“Here I am playing rugby and I felt like I was getting the same thing done… I’m done with this, playing sports, going back and forth… my mum’s telling me, ‘You might have to start working now, let this little juvenile dream go.’

“One day I just get a phone call. I’ll never forget, I was working at a pest control company… I just sat there and started crying. I was sitting in the truck.

“Just the support from people that were in my corner, backing me up the whole time, just keeping me there, like wouldn’t let me quit. Whenever you face hard times or injuries, support systems are everything. Support is everything.”

Baker was recognised as the Rookie of the Year after the 2014/15 season on the world-famous sevens circuit, with the flyer scoring the second-most tries overall with 48. That was a sign of things to come, with Baker contributing to a legendary period for the USA Eagles Sevens.

Alongside the likes of Madison Hughes, Carlin Isles and Garrett Bender, Baker helped the USA become a genuine force on what’s now called the SVNS Series. Three years after debuting, Baker passed Zack Test as the USA’s all-time leading try scorer.

Baker would later retire in 2024 with the second-most tries out of any men’s player in the history of the SVNS Series. Away from the Series, Baker went to three Olympic Games – Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2021, and Paris in 2024.

But, after those Games, Baker made a significant announcement.

“After an incredible 10 years representing the USA Men’s 7s program, the time has come for me to step away from the game that has shaped so much of my life,” Baker wrote on Instagram when retiring last year.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to wear the jersey and represent my country on the world stage. From the moment I joined the team, I could never have imagined the experiences, the highs and lows, and the lifelong friends rugby would give me.

“Year one of my journey was especially life-changing as I met my amazing wife, and together we built our family. To my wife and family, I couldn’t have done this without your endless support and love. You’ve been my anchor, and I’m grateful for the sacrifices you made so I could pursue my dream.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and everyone in USA Rugby, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and making every moment memorable.

“To the fans, rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s a family and you guys made me feel that everywhere I went. And to rugby itself, thank you for teaching me resilience, teamwork, and leadership that will live with me forever.

“As I step into the chapter, I carry with me all the lessons, memories, and connections this game has given me. I’m excited for what’s to come and how I can continue giving back to this amazing sport.

“Thank you for being part of my journey.”

Baker is now an assistant coach with the USA Men’s Sevens side. While a fascinating injury toll almost saw the ‘Speedstick’ come out of retirement for the SVNS event in Singapore last month, Baker’s playing days are practically over.

However, Baker will come out of retirement to play at the all-new Premier Rugby Sevens in June, which will be held entirely in Mumbai, India.