Jason Thomas Babin (born May 24, 1980) is a former American football defensive end and linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Western Michigan, where he was twice recognized as the conference defensive player of the year.
Babin also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens.
Early years
Babin attended Paw Paw High School and lettered in football, wrestling, and track. In football, he was a two-time team Defensive MVP, and was an All-Kalamazoo Valley Association first-team choice as a senior. In wrestling, he was the state champion as a senior. Babin came back from a broken leg during his senior year, playing in the last three games and earning a scholarship from Western Michigan University. In track & field, Babin was a state-qualifier in the throwing events, with top-throws of 16.15 meters (52 ft 9 in) in the shot put and 47.85 meters (156 ft 4 in) in the discus throw.
College career
Babin attended Western Michigan University, where he played for the Western Michigan Broncos football team from 2000 to 2003. He finished his college football career with 38 sacks, 299 tackles, eight forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Babin started 25 of 47 games at Western Michigan, setting Broncos career marks in sacks (38) and tackles for loss (75). Babin also had two passes defended, blocked three punts and had three receptions for 55 yards.
Babin started all 12 games at the left defensive end position as a senior, earning first-team All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report and College Sports Report and added second-team honors from Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, and College Football News. He was a first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection and league's Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, in addition to being team captain and team MVP. As a senior, he made 115 tackles and matched his career-high with 15 sacks and made 33 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. As a junior, he started all 12 games and made 94 tackles (26 for loss), 15 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two passes defensed. Babin also blocked two punts and caught three passes for 35 yards. He made 56 tackles (13 for loss) as a sophomore, plus a team-leading seven sacks and two forced fumbles. As a freshman, Babin played in all 12 games, collected 34 tackles and was the only true freshman on the team to earn a letter.
Professional career
Pre-draft
Houston Texans
Babin was selected by Houston Texans in the first round (27th pick overall) of 2004 NFL Draft. The Texans traded second, third, fourth, and fifth round picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a first (27th overall) and fifth round pick. He was signed to a five-year contract worth $6 million by the Texans on June 26, 2004. He played 16 games in his rookie season for Houston, making 51 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, and four sacks. In 2005, he played in 12 games and made 35 tackles. He matched his 2004 sack mark with four and also forced two fumbles. In 2006, he played 15 games and recorded 26 tackles and five sacks.
Seattle Seahawks
On September 1, 2007, Babin was acquired by the Seattle Seahawks from the Houston Texans in exchange for safety Michael Boulware. He was released by the Seahawks on September 17, 2008, after the team acquired wide receiver Keary Colbert from the Denver Broncos.
Kansas City Chiefs
Babin was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on November 12, 2008. After the 2008 season, Babin became a free agent.
Philadelphia Eagles
Babin was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles on August 4, 2009.
Tennessee Titans
On March 19, 2010, Babin signed with the Tennessee Titans. Babin's lone season with Titans proved to be one of his best, recording 58 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, which led to him being named to the 2011 Pro Bowl, the first appearance of his career. He was ranked 85th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.