| John Babinecz | |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 1 |
| Weight Lbs: | 222 |
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Number: | 53, 52 |
| Birth Date: | July 27, 1950 |
| Birth Place: | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Draftyear: | 1972 |
| Draftround: | 2 |
| Draftpick: | 39 |
| High School: | Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| College: | Villanova |
| Pastteams: |
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| Highlights: | |
| Statlabel1: | Games played |
| Statvalue1: | 40 |
| Pfr: | BabiJo22 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On June 29, 1976, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.[5] He was waived on August 2.[6]
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]
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]
Babinecz worked as a pediatrician in Paoli, Pennsylvania.[13]