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John Babinecz

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John Babinecz
No. 53, 52
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1950-07-27) July 27, 1950 (age 74)
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
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • First-team All-East (1971)
  • 2× Second-team All-East (1969, 1970)
Career NFL statistics
Games played:40
Stats at Pro Football Reference

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.

Early life

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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

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Dallas Cowboys

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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

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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

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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

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

Atlanta Falcons

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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)

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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

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

References

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  1. ^ "Villanova Gets Local Grid Star". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  2. ^ "Football Retirement Ceremony Honors Finneran and Babinecz". villanova.com. November 4, 2003. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  3. ^ "Dallas Reports Two Reserves In Doubt". Toledo Blade. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  4. ^ "Transactions". The Pantagraph. September 17, 1975. 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. August 3, 1976. 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. August 24, 1976. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  9. ^ "Winnipeg". The Ottawa Journal. September 17, 1976. 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. July 29, 1977. 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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