[1] Baker grew up in Raleigh's Oberlin neighborhood, attending Ligon High School and North Carolina Central University, where he graduated in 1958.

[5] Over eleven seasons he played for the Rams (1958–61), Philadelphia Eagles (1962), Pittsburgh Steelers (1963–67) and Detroit Lions (1968).

[6] Baker was a member of the "Oval Table Gang", an informal group of black Raleigh community leaders that met in Ralph Campbell Sr.'s home to discuss strategies to desegregate Raleigh schools, plan demonstrations, and assist black candidates for public office.

He instituted a way for incarcerated youth to continue their education, and was instrumental in founding the John H. Baker Charter School (which was named after him).

[3] A funeral was held at St. Matthew AME Church in Raleigh and he was buried at the Carolina Biblical Gardens.