Mike Labinjo

Mike Labinjo

No. 42     Free agent
Date of birth:	July 8, 1980 (1980-07-08) (age 31)
Place of birth:	Toronto, Ontario
Career information
Status:	Active
CFL status:	Non-import
Position(s):	DE/LB
Height:	6 ft 0.5 in (1.84 m)
Weight:	284 lb (129 kg)
College:	Michigan State
High school:	St. Michael's College
CFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 3 / Pick: 25
Drafted by:	Calgary Stampeders
Organizations
As player:
2004 2005 2005–2006 2007–2010	Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) Indianapolis Colts (NFL) Miami Dolphins (NFL) Calgary Stampeders (CFL)
Career highlights and awards
96th Grey Cup champions
Playing stats at CFL.ca
Playing stats at NFL.com

Mike Labinjo aka "Binjo" (born July 8, 1980) is a former professional Canadian football defensive end for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Early life

Labinjo was born in Toronto and attended St. Michael's College School. From 1999 to 2003 Labinjo played American football at Michigan State University.

Originally recruited as a running back, he moved to linebacker for his sophomore season. He started all 12 games as the strong side linebacker in 2001. As a junior Mike played in 12 games, including 8 starts.^[1] His senior season, 2003, proved to be his most productive collegiate year. Mike was the recipient of the Downtown Coaches Club Award as the outstanding senior on defense, after posting a career high 94 tackles (58 solos) with five sacks for minus 43 yards and 11.5 stops for losses of 66 yards. He also recovered two fumbles, intercepted three passes and deflected five others.^[2]

After graduating from Michigan State University and earning a bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance in December 2003, Labinjo declared for the NFL Draft. The linebacker was not drafted by an National Football League franchise, but was drafted in the 2003 CFL Draft. His rights were selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the 3rd round, as the 25th overall selection.^[3]

Professional career

NFL

In 2004, Mike went to training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL and was signed as a linebacker. He appeared in 3 games, totalling 12 tackles (12 solo).^[4] 2005 was split between 3 teams: Beginning the season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Labinjo saw action in 5 games, including his only NFL career start, recording 5 tackles (5 solo) along the way. Labinjo was let go in the middle of the 2005 season by Philadelphia. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts for 2 games, registering 2 tackles (1 solo) and half a sack. Ultimately, he ended 2005 with the Miami Dolphins. In 2006, he played behind Miami Dolphins all-pro linebacker Zach Thomas. Labinjo was released by the Dolphins after the 2006 season^[5] and was signed by the Indianapolis Colts on March 14, 2007. He was released by the Colts on May 8, 2007.

CFL

Labinjo signed with the Calgary Stampeders on July 16, 2007 and he played in six games in his first CFL season before giving way to a season-ending elbow injury. He made two defensive tackles and four special teams tackles.

In the 2008 Calgary Stampeders season, Labinjo recorded 5 sacks, tying him for first on the team with Miguel Robede and Charleston Hughes. With 33 tackles, he was ninth on the Stampeders for tackles. He also had one catch for a one-yard touchdown. In the playoffs, Labinjo had 8 tackles and 3 sacks in the 2008 West Division final, to secure a berth in the 96th Grey Cup game. Labinjo was pivotal in the Stampeders' 22–14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes, registering three tackles, one sack, and four pass deflections. ^[6][7]

On January 12, 2011, Labinjo was acquired by the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for future considerations.^[8] On January 19, 2011, the Alouettes voided the deal due to concerns about his surgically repaired elbow.^[9]

On May 11, 2011, Labinjo was released from his CFL contract with the Calgary Stampeders effectively ending his tenure with the organization. ^[10]

Notes

1. ^ MSU Player Bio
2. ^ CFL Player Bio
3. ^ "Mike Labinjo". Player Roster. Calgary Stampeder Football Club. http://www.stampeders.com/team/player_roster/career/?id=46. Retrieved 2009-02-17. 
4. ^ NFL Player Bio
5. ^ Scouts.com
6. ^ Calgary @ Montreal Sun Nov 23
7. ^ Johnson, George (2009-06-08). /sports/Dean+defence/1673908/story.html "Dean of defence". Calgary Herald. http://www.calgaryherald.com /sports/Dean+defence/1673908/story.html. Retrieved 2009-06-08. ^{[dead link]}
8. ^ "Alouettes acquire Mike Labinjo". Montreal Alouettes. 2010-01-12. http://en.montrealalouettes.com/article/alouettes-acquire-mike-labinjo. Retrieved 2011-01-12. 
9. ^ "Labinjo a Stamp Again". Toronto Sun. 2011-01-19. http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2011/01/19/16955966.html. 
10. ^ "Labinjo Released". http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hvkE97v7E1fHfN7_KPHqhzqTorxg?docId=6819398. 

References

• stampeders.com bio
• National Football League bio
• Michigan State player bio
• Scouts.com Article

Persondata
Name	Labinjo, Mike
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	July 8, 1980
Place of birth	Toronto, Ontario
Date of death
Place of death