John Babinecz

John 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 played college football at Villanova University.

John Babinecz
No. 53
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

The Dallas Cowboys selected Babinecz 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 before the start of the 1974 season.

Houston Oilers

Babinecz was claimed by the Houston Oilers and spent the 1974 season on the injured reserve list. He was released on September 15, 1975 season.

Chicago Bears

On September 16, 1975, he was claimed by the Chicago Bears where he had reserve role during the season and played out his option.

Philadelphia Eagles

On June 29, 1976, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent, but was waived on August 2.[4]

Atlanta Falcons

On August 10, 1976, he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons, but was released before the start of the season.[5]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)

In 1976, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[6] He was cut on August 28, 1977.[7]

Post-football career

Babinecz currently works as a pediatrician in Paoli, Pennsylvania.[8]

References
  1. "Villanova Gets Local Grid Star". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  2. "Football Retirement Ceremony Honors Finneran and Babinecz". villanova.com. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  3. "Dallas Reports Two Reserves In Doubt". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  4. "Signs with Eagles". The Bryan Times. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  5. "Falcons get linebacker from Eagles, cut back". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  6. "Last-quarter effort stalls as Bombers dump 'Riders". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  7. "Transactions". Daily News. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  8. "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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