John Babinecz

John Michael Babinecz (born July 27, 1950) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers and Chicago Bears. He also was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. He played college football at Villanova University.

John Babinecz
No. 53, 52
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1950-07-27) July 27, 1950
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • 3× All-East (1969, 1970, 1971)
Career NFL statistics
Games played:40
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Babinecz 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

Dallas Cowboys

Babinecz 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

In 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

On 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

On June 29, 1976, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.[5] He was waived on August 2.[6]

Atlanta Falcons

On 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 (CFL)

On 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

Babinecz worked as a pediatrician in Paoli, Pennsylvania.[13]

References
  1. "Villanova Gets Local Grid Star". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  2. "Football Retirement Ceremony Honors Finneran and Babinecz". villanova.com. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  3. "Dallas Reports Two Reserves In Doubt". Toledo Blade. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  4. "Transactions". The Pantagraph. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  5. "Signs with Eagles". The Bryan Times. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  6. "Seven vets are axed by Eagles". The Morning News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  7. "Falcons get linebacker from Eagles, cut back". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  8. "Falcons Cut Six". The Atlanta Constitution. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  9. "Winnipeg". The Ottawa Journal. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  10. "Last-quarter effort stalls as Bombers dump 'Riders". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  11. "Transactions". Daily News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  12. "Bits And Pieces". Star-Phoenix. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  13. "Main Line Health physicians recognized as "Top Docs" by Main Line Today". Main Line Health. December 5, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
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