He then played semi-pro ball for a season and a half with the Des Moines Warriors of the Professional Football League of America, before being discovered by a talent scout for the New Orleans Saints.

He would sign a contract with the Saints, and begin his NFL career the following year, making an appearance in the Pro Bowl in his second season.

It was during this rookie season that sports broadcaster Howard Cosell gave him the nickname Touchdown Tony.

On August 10, 1998, Baker was killed in a car accident on U.S. Route 61, approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Burlington, Iowa following a high school class reunion.

His burial plot was chosen by his family with two trees in the distance appearing as though they were goalpost uprights.