Gene Babb

Gene Walter Babb (December 27, 1934 – December 2, 2018) is a former American football fullback and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the Houston Oilers in the American Football League (AFL). He played college football at Austin College.

Gene Babb
No. 32, 33
Position:Linebacker / Fullback
Personal information
Born:(1934-12-27)December 27, 1934
El Paso, Texas
Died:December 2, 2018(2018-12-02) (aged 83)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:216 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:Odessa (Odessa, Texas)
College:Austin
NFL Draft:1957 / Round: 19 / Pick: 224
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played – started:76 – 14
Interceptions:4
Fumble recoveries:2
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

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.[1] The school also recognized him by creating the annual "Gene Babb Award" for the outstanding football player.[2]

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

Babb was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the nineteenth round (224th overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft. 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.[3]

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.[4]

Personal life

Babb was an administrator for National Football Scouting Inc.

References
  1. "Athletic Hall of Honor". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  2. "Austin College Student-Athletes Earn Awards". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  3. "Tarkenton Returns to Viking Camp". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  4. "Top Football Booked For Houston". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
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