John Michael Babinecz (born July 27, 1950) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers and Chicago Bears. He also was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Villanova University.
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | July 27, 1950 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. | ||||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 222 lb (101 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) | ||||
| College: | Villanova | ||||
| NFL draft: | 1972 / round: 2 / pick: 39 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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Early life
editBabinecz attended Central Catholic High School where he played as a tight end and linebacker, receiving All-Catholic honors in his last two years. He also was the State Catholic champion in the shot put.[1]
He accepted a football scholarship from Villanova University, where he became a three-year starter and a three-time All-East selection at middle linebacker.[2] In 2003, the school retired his #64 jersey.
Professional career
editDallas Cowboys
editBabinecz was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (39th overall) of the 1972 NFL draft. As a rookie, he played on special teams in all 14 games.
In 1973, he played on special teams, while backing up Dave Edwards and D. D. Lewis at outside linebacker. He suffered a broken hand during training camp that slowed his progress and also missed 2 regular season games with a pulled back muscle.[3] He was placed on injured waivers (sprained hip and knee) after the first game of the 1974 season.
Houston Oilers
editIn 1974, Babinecz was claimed by the Houston Oilers and spent the season on the injured reserve list. He was released on September 14, 1975.
Chicago Bears
editOn September 16, 1975, he was claimed by the Chicago Bears.[4] He appeared in 14 games in a reserve role. He wasn't re-signed after the season.
Philadelphia Eagles
editOn June 29, 1976, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.[5] He was waived on August 2.[6]
Atlanta Falcons
editOn August 10, 1976, he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons.[7] On August 23, he was released before the start of the season.[8]
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
editOn September 16, 1976, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after a five-day tryout.[9][10] On August 28, 1977, he was released to be able to enter medical school in September.[11][12]
Personal life
editBabinecz worked as a pediatrician in Paoli, Pennsylvania.[13]
References
edit- ^ "Villanova Gets Local Grid Star". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Football Retirement Ceremony Honors Finneran and Babinecz". villanova.com. November 4, 2003. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Dallas Reports Two Reserves In Doubt". Toledo Blade. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Transactions". The Pantagraph. September 17, 1975. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Signs with Eagles". The Bryan Times. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Seven vets are axed by Eagles". The Morning News. August 3, 1976. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Falcons get linebacker from Eagles, cut back". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Falcons Cut Six". The Atlanta Constitution. August 24, 1976. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Winnipeg". The Ottawa Journal. September 17, 1976. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Last-quarter effort stalls as Bombers dump 'Riders". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Transactions". Daily News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Bits And Pieces". Star-Phoenix. July 29, 1977. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Main Line Health physicians recognized as "Top Docs" by Main Line Today". Main Line Health. December 5, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2020.