To understand the depth and breadth of Atlanta Falcons #95 Defensive Tackle, Jonathan Babineaux, 35, you have to take a look back in history at his younger brother, Jordan Babineaux, 34, former Safety for the Seattle Seahawks. Both brothers attended the famed Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, Texas with Jordan playing in Super Bowl XL in 2006 and Jonathan readying himself for his Super Bowl LI debut as a Falcons Captain on Sunday, February 5, 2017. Regardless of the outcome, history will be made for the Babineaux family in a few short hours.
But how does one reconcile an elite football player such as Jonathan, who has spent all 12 years of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons— a man, a son, a husband and father? The mere fact that Jonathan spends his own money to fund his personal community service projects in Atlanta, GA and on his 1 day off chooses to give back, is outstanding, in and of itself.
When you see the impact that The Babineaux Family Foundation has had on the community of Port Arthur, TX, the opportunities the foundation has afforded students and allowed them to expand their horizons, think “outside of the box” and visualize their success- you begin to understand the measure of the man.
Jonathan knows about the sacrifice of a mother: "Watching my mother has taught me a lot. I watched her hard work and dedication to do whatever it took to take care of her family all cost." This unyielding determination only spurred the football star on to rise up and make a difference in his community. Over the years, Babineaux made history by contributing to over 95 charities. He recently received President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, which honors professional, retired, youth and collegiate athletes and sports professionals for their volunteerism and community service. Some of the ways in which Jonathan has given back include a few highlights:
- Served as a spokesperson for Lupus Foundation of Georgia
- Selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the NFL Team Representative for United Way's cut-the-drop-out rate campaign
- Hosted several Celebrity Basketball Games in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX in conjunction with his brother Jordan Babineaux and the Babineaux Family Foundation
- An Ambassador for Easter Seals to help raise awareness for their volunteer and donation needs.
- Donated a computer lab at a group home; gave less fortunate toddlers computers for Christmas
Proud Mother, Barbara Babineaux
Jonathan Babineaux Awareded President Obama’s Volunteer Award
One of Jonathan’s mantras is “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted is on the Other Side of Fear.” This is a core belief system that serves to encourage children and adults alike. The perseverance that Jonathan has shown over the years inspires all who have ever had a dream— From the football field of Woodrow Wilson Middle School, to the packed risers of Lincoln High School, affectionately known as “The Bee Hive,” to the faraway Iowa State (almost 1,000 miles from home) to the great city of Atlanta, Georgia. No matter where he has landed, Mr. Babineaux has remained the same Jonathan.... The same son whose love for his mother, siblings and family are etched across his face every post-game, no matter the outcome. The same hard-working league star who has always valued quality over quantity and has been a team member whom other Falcons can look up to.
Reading and knowing Jonathan’s life path gives me chills— not because we share the same hometown; not because our family admires the philanthropic characteristics of the Babineaux family, but because he worked tirelessly and placed his faith God in order to achieve a dream that many felt was intangible. But over the years, Jonathan has proved all of the naysayers wrong. He has overcome. And this weekend, along with his Atlanta Falcon teammates, as he walks onto the field of NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas to play their best game against the New England Patriots, we will be rooting for the Falcons & especially for Jonathan— The true measure of a man— the very fiber of his being will be on full display for all to see. And we know that he will RISE UP!
We are tipping our hats, clicking our boots, with that “LONE STAR” above you. Our message: GO FALCONS! And GO #95 Jonathan “Monsta” Babineaux.
In Christ,
Blogger Huffington Post, HBJ 40Under40
Jordan and Jonathan Babineaux Giving Back
Babineaux at SuperBowl LI Media Day