He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Team.

In the same year, Bakken was most valuable player (MVP) of the Big 8 Conference, and the All-State quarterback.

As a sophomore, Bakken shared the quarterback position with Dale Hackbart, and was also the team's kicker and punter.

[3] Bakken's 1959 Badger team was Big-Ten Conference champion, and played in the 1960 Rose Bowl.

[6][7] In a 1961 game against Northwestern, he had a 90-yard punt, 47-yard field goal, and returned an interception for a touchdown, in the Badgers' upset victory.

[8][9] He did not make the team and was instead picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played his entire NFL career.

[16][3] Bakken was the first NFL kicker to attempt nine field goals and successfully convert seven in a Week 2 28–14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Pitt Stadium on September 24, 1967.

[21] Bakken was the Wisconsin State Masters Handball Doubles Champion seven times (1991-1997).