Jason Babin

Jason Thomas Babin (born May 24, 1980) is an American football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Western Michigan University (WMU), and was twice recognized as the conference defensive player of the year. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Babin has also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles.

Early years
Babin attended Paw Paw High School and lettered in football and wrestling. 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 his senior year, playing in the last 3 games and earning a scholarship from Western Michigan University.

College career
Babin attended Western Michigan University and finished his college football career with 38 sacks, 299 tackles, eight forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Babin started 25 of 47 games at WMU, 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 left defensive end as a senior, earning First-team All-America 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 to earn a letter.

Houston Texans
Babin was drafted by Houston Texans in first round (27th pick overall) of 2004 NFL Draft. The Texans traded second, third, fourth, and fifth round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a first (27th overall) and fifth round pick. He was signed to a five-year $6 million contract by Texans on June 26, 2004. He played 16 games in his rookie season for Houston, making 63 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, getting 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 defensive end Brian Johnston was placed on injured reserve. After the 2008 season, Babin became a free agent.

First stint with 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 his best, recording 58 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, which led to him being named to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

Second stint with Eagles
Following his Pro Bowl season, Babin signed a five-year deal with the Eagles worth approximately $28 million. This deal included guarantees in the $5–6 million range and reunited him with former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn. In week one of the 2011 regular season against the St. Louis Rams, Babin had two sacks, which matched his previous total during his last stint with the Eagles. He then went on a rampage, acquiring 8 sacks in three games, and climbed to the top of the NFL with 18 sacks with 2 games remaining in the season. He finished the season with 40 tackles and 18 sacks, the highest of his career.

On November 27, 2012, the Eagles released Babin following a loss to Carolina on Monday Night Football. He had 5.5 sacks through 11 games.

Jacksonville Jaguars
On November 28, 2012, Babin was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Personal
He has a wife and two sons. He is a supporter of the Republican Party and is an avid poker player.