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NFL Free
Agent Interview: Jordan Babineaux, S/CB
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Jordan Babineaux’s tackle on Tony Romo during the NFC Wild Card game is
the stuff of NFL playoff legend. His shoestring grab of Romo at the
one yard line preserved a 21-20 Seattle victory over Dallas a nd created a “Where Were You When” type moment for many
Seahawks fans.
“It just kind of happened,” said Babineaux of the play. “The way
it happened it was like, ‘Are you for real?’ But it really didn’t sink
in at first because it all happened so fast. I mean once I saw him pick
it up and run to the end zone I figured I had to get him, but even
thinking about it now, it was, wow. I can’t even put that into words,
really. I was just trying to make a play. In the future though, I’d
prefer it not come down to being that close.”
Being in the right place at the right time has been the theme of
Babineaux’s pro career thus far. After an unheralded career at division
II Southern Arkansas University, Babineaux did whatever it took to get
noticed by NFL scouts.
“Around this time in 2004 I was going to other colleges pro days to
workout and get exposed, seeing if I could get on like that. I’d talk
to strength and conditioning coaches from other schools and try to get
seen by working out with their players, just doing whatever it took to
get my name out there. Ultimately, it worked and I got exposed to the
right people because of that.”
Babineaux signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following
the 2004 NFL Draft and appeared in six games that year.
Seven games into the 2005 season, Seattle lost starting safety Ken
Hamlin for the rest of the season due to an off the field assault and
Babineaux’s role was increased. He responded with 74 tackles, three
interceptions and a fumble recovery filling in for Hamlin at safety and
playing cornerback.
“It helped get me on the field, but I wouldn’t say it was the key,”
said Babineaux of Hamlin’s injury. “Coming into training camp was all
the opportunity I needed. Contributing in practice and on special teams
and just continuing to work hard is what made the difference. It was
always my goal to evolve into the starting line up, so I was ready to
go from the start, wanting to maximize every opportunity I got and most
of it came down to just working hard.”
Babineaux’s play down the stretch of the ’05 season was instrumental in
the team’s success and culminated with a trip to Super Bowl XL in only
his second NFL season.
“That’s the biggest game you can have in your football career. The only
unfortunate thing about it was that we didn’t get the full effect
because we didn’t win, but its one of those things you always remember.
A lot of players play in the league for a long period of time and never
get the chance to participate in one, so we were fortunate. It was a
good thing for us to experience, but now we’re hungrier to get back
there and get it done.”
In 2006, Babineaux started a career high eight regular-season games at
safety and cornerback, logging 55 total tackles and an interception,
shoring up the Seahawks defensive backfield by filling in wherever he
was asked.
“I don’t really prefer to play one or the other, whether it’s safety or
corner,” said Babineaux. “I’m always ready to go so I’ll play wherever
they want me to. No matter what the position or whatever the task, I
want to be on the field. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win
games.”
When free agency begins on March 2nd, Babineaux will enter the market
as a restricted free agent, arguably Seattle’s most talented player to
become available. Early indications are that the Seahawks will offer
him a second round tender, which assures him of a qualifying salary
offer of $1.3 million and means that the Seahawks would receive a
second round draft pick if he were to sign with another team.
As of now, though, he isn’t sure where he’ll be playing in next season.
“I don’t know yet. It’s still pretty early. I really have no idea what
they (the Seahawks) are planning. There are league deadlines and
guidelines in place as far as league standards and its just abiding by
that until things can actually take place. It’s pretty much a waiting
game until March 2nd.”
No matter where free agency takes him, Babineaux knows that working
hard is the key to his continued progression regardless of which team
he plays for next season.
“To go from being an undrafted free agent to where I am now feels
rewarding, but I really don’t think I’ve hit my peak yet. I’m really
excited about where I am and the opportunities I have but there is
still a lot of work to be done, goals to accomplish. I’m heading into
my fourth year and expecting some big things for myself. I’m willing to
work as hard as I can to be mentioned with the elite players in this
league. Until then, it’s all work for me”
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