NFL star Chris Baker is surrounded by family June 21, 2018 when he returned to his hometown of Windsor, CT and visited Bart’s restaurant to sign autographs.

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

National Football League star Chris Baker, a native of Windsor, Connecticut returned to his hometown this past weekend to continue with his efforts to inspire area youth. And, as everyone knows, a visit home to Windsor is not complete without a stop at the iconic Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant. In Baker’s case, he was there on June 21 to sign autographs and mingle with fans. However, a hotdog from Bart’s Magic Grill was a must.

NFL star Chris Baker shown with Mayor Donald Trinks and his wife Barbara Trinks.

Baker has made a stop at Bart’s part of his annual visits to Windsor for a number of years. He and Mayor Donald Trinks, owner and general manager of Bart’s, share a mutual admiration.

“Mayor Trinks, he’s been my number one supporter since I decided to bring my football camp here,” noted Baker.

For the 6th consecutive year, Baker said, Trinks has donated all the food for the camp. The football camp, which was held Saturday, June 23 in town, not only teaches local youngsters football skills but strives also to instill in them the disciple, work ethic and sportsmanship that comes with playing the game. Some of Baker’s NFL buddies also were slated to turn out such as Terrence Knight.

“To me Chris is just an exceptional young man. At this point he doesn’t have to come back here to his hometown but he does. He is concerned about literacy and kids,” said Trinks.

Sisters Carol Engelmann and Jane Garibay were among those who came to see Chris Baker at Bart’s.

Jane Garibay has a little fun seeing what it would be like to be taller than an NFL star.

In addition to the football camp, Baker who founded the Chris Baker 92 Foundation to inspire literacy and leadership mentorships,, sponsored a fundraiser Friday night at the bowling alley in South Windsor. All proceeds from the event were to go to pay the cost of two student’s books for the coming college semester.

“All the lanes are sold out,” Baker added.

Nicknamed “Swaggy”, Baker, 30, is currently a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has also played for the Washington Redskins then Miami. Long after he his career with the NFL is done, Baker said he anticipates carrying on with efforts to encourage literacy and leadership. Baker said he remains passionate about returning to Windsor each summer to give youth in the Greater Hartford area tangible proof that with hard work, determination and a good education, they too have a chance to realize their dreams.

“I want them to see that If I can do it, they can do it,” said Baker.