Position: Linebacker / Fullback Name Gene Babb Place of birth: El Paso, Texas Role American football player | Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Weight 98 kg Games played - started: 76 - 14 | |
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Date of birth: (1934-12-27) December 27, 1934 (age 80) NFL draft: 1957 / Round: 19 / Pick: 224 Education University of Texas at Austin, Odessa High School, Austin College | ||
Gene Walter Babb (born December 27, 1934) is a former American football fullback and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the American Football League (AFL) for the Houston Oilers in 1962 and 1963. He played college football at Austin College.
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Early years
Babb attended Odessa High School before moving on to the University of Texas. He later transferred to Austin College. Besides playing football, he also was a Golden Gloves boxer in college.
In 1969, he was inducted into the Austin College Hall of Honor. The school also recognized him by creating the annual "Gene Babb Award" for the outstanding football player.
San Francisco 49ers
Babb was selected in the nineteenth round (224th overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie, he was a key reserve player at fullback, rushing for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns.
In July 1960, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fifth round draft choice (#58-Clark Miller).
Dallas Cowboys
Babb was primarily a reserve fullback, starting in five games during the Dallas Cowboys 1960 inaugural season, while being used both as a runner and pass receiver.
The next year, he was switched to linebacker and started 9 games at outside linebacker until being passed on the depth chart by Mike Dowdle. He was released on August 27, 1962.
Houston Oilers
In 1962, he signed with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League as a free agent, where he was a backup at middle linebacker for two seasons.
Personal life
Babb was an administrator for National Football Scouting Inc.