Tom Zbikowski Official Website

 

Tom grew up in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois.  He starred on the football team, where he was a three-year starter at both quarterback and safety. As a senior in 2002, he threw for 1,382 yards and 11 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 1287 yards and scored 23 times.  In addition to his offensive duties that season, Tom registered 41 tackles and 3 interceptions at safety.  For good measure, he excelled on special teams as well, returning punts and kicks.  

 

Tom earned many accolades during his senior season.  He was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois, and he was also named to the Illinois All State Team by several major newspapers. 

 

Tom was named to USA Todays All-America team and he was named Chicago area player of the year by the Chicago Sun Times newspaper.   Following high school, it was on to the University of Notre Dame for Zbikowski, where he again excelled on special teams and became a leader of the Irish defense.  Tom started 48 consecutive games and still holds the school record for most tackles by a defensive back.  The two-time Fighting Irish captain was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the 3^rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.  

 

In 2008 Tom decided to put his boxing career on hold to focus on professional football, and it has turned out to be the right move.  Zbikowski is currently a special teams standout and backup safety for the vaunted Baltimore Ravens defense. Tom has the opportunity to learn from one of the best defensive backs in the game while he backs up Ravens safety Ed Reed.

 

Zbikowskis play with the Ravens special team units has garnered him recognition throughout the league.  He was chosen to be the Ravens special teams representative on this years Pro Bowl ballot.  Tom hopes to make his first Pro Bowl appearance for the AFC this year in Miami.   Zbikowskis Ravens find themselves in the thick of the playoff race with a 5-5 record.  If they hope to win the division or earn one of the wild card spots, theyll have to play very well down the stretch.  The road wont be easy, as the Ravens are slated to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Sunday.