Jon Abbate
Jon Abbate | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 18, 1985 |
| Occupation(s) | Former American football linebacker and fullback |
| Years active | 2004–2010 |
| Known for | Playing college football at Wake Forest University; signing with Houston Texans as undrafted free agent |
Jon Abbate (born June 18, 1985) is a former American football linebacker. He played at the collegiate level for Wake Forest University from 2004 through 2006 and later signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL) in 2007.
College career
After redshirting his initial year, Abbate secured a starting position in 2004, amassing 101 tackles, 13 of which were for loss. The following year, injuries curtailed his performance, limiting him to 76 tackles.
In 2006, Abbate led the Wake Forest squad with 120 tackles, placing second within the ACC. A highlight of that season was his pivotal interception against rival North Carolina. During the ACC Championship game held in Jacksonville, Florida, he contributed 15 tackles as the Deacons narrowly defeated Georgia Tech 9–6, earning MVP accolades broadcast on ABC.
Abbate also recorded 15 tackles in Wake Forest's inaugural Bowl Championship Series appearance at the Orange Bowl versus University of Louisville. His final season performance, averaging 8.6 tackles per game, garnered him honorable mention All-American status from Sports Illustrated and first-team All-ACC selections by ACSMA and College Football News.
The 2006 season
On February 13, 2006, Jon’s younger brother Luke, aged 15, suffered severe injuries in a car crash and passed away two days later. Prior to his junior year, Jon requested head coach Jim Grobe to allow him to change his jersey number from 40 to 5—the number Luke wore—which was granted. Throughout the 2006 campaign, Abbate and his family honored Luke by raising five fingers before the fourth quarter. This tribute was embraced by teammates, Wake Forest supporters, and even opposing fans, drawing considerable media coverage amid the team’s successful season. The Abbate family also established the "Five Foundation" to promote safe driving awareness. A film depicting Jon’s story alongside Luke and the 2006 Wake Forest season, titled The 5th Quarter, premiered on March 25, 2011.
Houston Texans
Following the conclusion of the 2006 college season, Abbate declared for the 2007 NFL draft. He expressed that returning to college would not alleviate concerns regarding his stature. Despite a strong collegiate record, he went undrafted due to a hamstring injury sustained at the NFL combine but subsequently signed a three-year deal with the Houston Texans as a free agent. The Texans transitioned him from linebacker to fullback.
Abbate was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2007, after suffering an ankle injury and was waived on August 29, 2008, following an unsuccessful physical exam. He rejoined the Texans on March 1 but was released again on July 22, 2008. After wide receiver Harry Williams sustained an injury, Abbate returned to Houston’s roster on August 24, 2008.
Washington Redskins
During the offseason of 2010, Abbate signed with the Redskins but was cut after failing his physical examination.
New Orleans Saints
After his release from Washington, he spent the remainder of the 2010 offseason with the New Orleans Saints.
Sacramento Mountain Lions
During segments of the 2009 and 2010 campaigns, Abbate was listed as a member of the Sacramento Mountain Lions, the team previously known as the California Redwoods.
External links
- 1985 births
- Living people
- Players of American football from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Players of Canadian football from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- American football linebackers
- American football fullbacks
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons football players
- Houston Texans players
- 21st-century American sportsmen
- Montreal Alouettes players
- Sacramento Mountain Lions players