NFL Free Agent Interview: Jordan Babineaux, S/CB
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”
