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KDSN RADIO Sports
Jonathan Babineaux to Serve as Honorary Captain
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa standout Jonathan Babineaux will serve as honorary captain when the Hawkeyes host Washington in its Big Ten home opener on Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:10 a.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on FOX.
Babineaux played on two teams that shared Big Ten Championships in 2002 and 2004. He finished his Hawkeye career with 131 tackles (39 for loss), 18 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, one interception, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three pass deflections.
He started his Hawkeye career as a fullback in 2000, where he played in 11 contests as a true freshman. Babineaux redshirted his sophomore year in 2001 due to injury before moving to defensive line.
Babineaux was a key member of the 2002 defense that ranked fifth in the country in rushing defense (81.9). He started 12 games, amassing 53 tackles, including seven sacks as a sophomore. Babineaux saw action in seven games his junior campaign in 2003 before suffering a season-ending injury.
As a senior, Babineaux set a school record in tackles for loss (25 for 93 yards), while leading the team in sacks (11 for 63 yards), forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (3). He also accumulated 55 tackles and one pass break-up while earning third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
The Port Arthur, Texas, native played 12 seasons in the National Football League after being drafted in the second round by Atlanta in 2005. He played all 12 seasons with the Falcons (2005-16). Babineaux and the Falcons reached the Super Bowl in his final year in the league (Super Bowl LI).
Babineaux will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game. Babineaux and his 2004 teammates will also be recognized during the first half of Saturday’s game celebrating their Big Ten championship.
