Jack Sanborn - A Closer Look At The Linebacker
So, if you've been paying any attention to the shifts happening in professional football lately, you might have caught wind of a name that is starting to gain quite a bit of notice: Jack Sanborn. This athlete, a professional football linebacker, has recently become a part of the Dallas Cowboys team, playing in the National Football League. His arrival there, honestly, seems to be something that many people are already seeing as a positive step, even at this early stage. It’s pretty clear that he has wasted no time at all in making a good impression, which is always a promising sign for a new player.
You see, Sanborn's path to the Cowboys is one that tells a story of dedication and consistent effort. Before joining up with the Cowboys, he spent his college years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he really showed what he could do on the field. Then, for three seasons, he was a part of the Chicago Bears, making a name for himself in the Windy City. His journey, in a way, shows how a player can make an impact wherever they go, bringing their particular set of skills and their determined approach to each new challenge.
This piece will take a closer look at Jack Sanborn's journey, from his time playing college football to his professional stops with the Bears and now the Cowboys. We'll explore some of the things that have made him stand out, the qualities he brings to a team, and, you know, what his presence means for his new club. It's a chance to get a better sense of who he is as a player and what he contributes to the game.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Know Jack Sanborn - His Story So Far
- What Made Jack Sanborn Stand Out in College?
- Jack Sanborn's Early Days with the Bears
- How Did Jack Sanborn Handle New Additions to the Bears Linebacker Group?
- Jack Sanborn's Move to the Dallas Cowboys
- What Does Jack Sanborn Bring to the Cowboys' Defense?
- The Future for Jack Sanborn and the Bears' Linebacker Spot
- Where Can You Find Jack Sanborn's Professional Stats?
Getting to Know Jack Sanborn - His Story So Far
Jack Sanborn, a person who plays professional football, came into the world on July 29, 2000. He was born in a place called Lake Zurich, Illinois. This means he's about 24 years old right now. When it comes to his physical build, he measures in at a certain height, and he carries a weight of 234 pounds, which is about 106 kilograms. These are some of the basic facts about him as a person.
Here are some personal details about Jack Sanborn:
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Jack Sanborn |
Date of Birth | July 29, 2000 |
Age | 24 years old |
Place of Birth | Lake Zurich, Illinois |
Height | Not specified in text |
Weight | 234 lbs (106 kg) |
Before he joined the professional ranks, Jack Sanborn spent his college years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers. He was there for four years, and during that time, he really made his presence known on the field. He was a starter in 34 games, which is a pretty good number for a college player. Over his time with the Badgers, he made a lot of tackles, totaling 230 throughout his career. He also showed a knack for stopping plays before they could get going, getting 29 tackles for loss. And, you know, he was also good at getting to the quarterback, recording 11.5 sacks. His time at Wisconsin, in some respects, truly set the stage for what he would become in the NFL.
What Made Jack Sanborn Stand Out in College?
So, what was it about Jack Sanborn's time at Wisconsin that made him such a notable player? Well, for one thing, he was incredibly consistent in his performance. Over those four years, he wasn't just showing up; he was actively making a difference in games. The numbers, like his 230 career tackles and his 29 tackles for loss, speak to a player who was always around the ball, always looking to disrupt the other team's plans. It takes a certain kind of drive to put up those sorts of numbers year after year.
He was, in a way, a key part of the Badgers' defensive efforts. His ability to get to the quarterback, with those 11.5 sacks, shows that he wasn't just a run-stopper; he could also put pressure on the passer. This kind of versatility is something that coaches really value, and it's pretty clear that he had it even back then. His time at Wisconsin was, you know, a very important period for his growth as a football player, preparing him for the higher level of competition he would face later on.
Jack Sanborn's Early Days with the Bears
After his college career, Jack Sanborn began his professional football life with the Chicago Bears. He spent three seasons playing for the team in Chicago. During his time there, he was quite active, taking part in a lot of plays on both defense and special teams. He logged 978 snaps when his team was playing defense, and he was also on the field for 816 special teams plays. This shows, you know, that he was a player who could contribute in more than one area, which is always a good thing for a team looking for reliable people.
It's worth mentioning that while he was with the Bears, Jack Sanborn received a special honor: the Brian Piccolo Award. This award is given out each year to one rookie and one veteran on the Bears team. It's meant for players who show certain qualities, like courage, being loyal, working well with others, being very dedicated, and having a good sense of humor. Getting this award really highlights the kind of person Jack Sanborn is, beyond just his skills on the field. It speaks to his character and how he carries himself as a teammate.
A story that really shows the sort of person Jack Sanborn is goes back to his high school days. He had a torn labrum, which is a pretty serious injury. But instead of getting surgery right away, he chose to keep playing so he could finish his high school career with his teammates. This decision, to be honest, really shows a deep sense of loyalty and a strong, determined spirit. These are the very qualities, you know, that he now brings with him to the Dallas Cowboys, after his three seasons playing for his hometown team, the Bears. It's a pretty good example of his commitment.
During his three years with the Bears, Jack Sanborn started in 19 games. While that number might seem a little bit low, it doesn't tell the whole story of his impact. He was still a valuable part of the team, contributing in many ways, as shown by his snap counts on both defense and special teams. His time in Chicago, you know, provided him with important professional experience and allowed him to grow as a player, even if he wasn't always a starter.
How Did Jack Sanborn Handle New Additions to the Bears Linebacker Group?
So, in a season where the Chicago Bears brought in some other linebackers, like Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, you might think that Jack Sanborn would get less attention or have a smaller part to play. But, as a matter of fact, that wasn't the case at all. He still managed to have a very big impact on the team. This really shows his ability to adapt and continue performing at a good level, even when there are new faces around him and the competition for playing time might be, you know, a little bit higher.
Looking at his performance numbers from that period, you can see what he brought to the team. He recorded 65 total tackles, which means he was involved in stopping a lot of plays. He also had 7 tackles for loss, showing his ability to get behind the line of scrimmage and disrupt things. Plus, he got one hit on the quarterback, had one sack, intercepted one pass, and broke up two other passes. These statistics, you know, paint a picture of a player who was making contributions in many different areas of the game, not just one specific thing.
Jack Sanborn's Move to the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been working to add more talent to the defensive side of their team during free agency, and a pretty significant move they made was agreeing to terms with Jack Sanborn. He's a former linebacker from the Bears, and this move, you know, means he gets to link up again with Matt Eberflus in Dallas. This reunion is something to keep an eye on, as they've worked together before and might have a good understanding of how to get the best out of each other.
Before signing Sanborn, the Cowboys, apparently, had some interest in another top free agent linebacker, Dre Greenlaw. However, Greenlaw, who used to play for the 49ers, ended up signing with the Denver Broncos instead. This turn of events, in a way, opened the door for Sanborn to join the Cowboys, and it seems like he could be a good fit for what they need. His presence could help address some of the areas where the Cowboys' defense might be, you know, a little bit weaker.
Jack Sanborn's performance has been looked at closely by Pro Football Focus, and he's earned some pretty good grades from them. In the last two years, he got grades of 71.1 and 71.5 in a particular area of his play. He also added a solid 70.1 in another aspect of his game. These scores suggest that he's been performing at a consistently good level, which is something that teams are always looking for in players. His steady output is, you know, a very appealing quality.
Looking at the time that Matt Eberflus and Jack Sanborn were both with the Bears, specifically in 2023 and 2024, the Chicago team gave up an average of 111.3 rushing yards per game. This figure placed them around the 11th spot in the league for run defense. This suggests that with Sanborn's help, they were, you know, more or less effective at slowing down opposing running games. So, it stands to reason that he could bring a similar kind of help to the Cowboys, especially if they are looking to improve their ability to stop the run.
When he joins the Cowboys, Jack Sanborn will have a chance to compete for a starting job at the inside linebacker spot. But even if he doesn't secure a starting role right away, he is still expected to be a very important depth piece for the team. This means he'll be ready to step in when needed, providing solid play and making sure the team has good options at that position. His versatility and proven performance make him, you know, a valuable addition to the squad, whether he's starting or coming off the bench.
What Does Jack Sanborn Bring to the Cowboys' Defense?
So, what exactly does Jack Sanborn offer the Cowboys' defense? Well, for one thing, he brings a lot of toughness. As we heard about his high school decision to play through an injury, that kind of spirit is something that can really rub off on a team. He also brings a strong sense of loyalty, which helps build a good atmosphere in the locker room. On the field, his ability to make tackles and stop plays is a big asset. He's someone who can wrap up ball carriers and prevent them from gaining extra yards.
His performance in college and with the Bears showed that he is a player who can be relied upon to be where he needs to be. He has a good feel for the game, and that allows him to make plays. It's pretty clear that he has the kind of work ethic that coaches appreciate. In fact, he wasted no time at all impressing head coach Brian Schottenheimer since the Cowboys got back to their team activities. That immediate impression, you know, speaks volumes about his readiness and his approach to the game.
The Future for Jack Sanborn and the Bears' Linebacker Spot
The Chicago Bears made a pretty important decision about the future of linebacker Jack Sanborn. It seems they are now unlikely to bring him back as their starting strongside linebacker for the 2025 season. This decision came as the team was getting ready for NFL free agency to begin. This sort of move, you know, happens in professional sports all the time, as teams make choices about who they want to keep on their roster and who they might let go.
According to information from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bears will be bringing back their two main linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, for the 2025 season. This means they have their core group at that position. However, Jack Sanborn's departure does raise a question about how the Bears will fill the spot he leaves open. They will need to find someone to step into that role, whether it's another player on their current roster or someone they bring in from outside the team. It's, you know, a typical part of how teams manage their player lineups from year to year.
Where Can You Find Jack Sanborn's Professional Stats?
If you're looking to get a full picture of Jack Sanborn's professional football statistics, a good place to check is Pro Football Focus, often called PFF. They keep detailed records for players in the NFL, including linebackers like Jack Sanborn. You can find information about his tackles, his pressures on the quarterback, and other important performance measures there. It's a pretty comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to look at player numbers.
During his first three seasons in Chicago, Jack Sanborn played in 48 games. In those games, he made a total of 164 tackles. These numbers give you a sense of his activity and how often he was involved in stopping plays for the Bears. His stats, you know, show a consistent presence on the field throughout his time there. Pictures, like the one showing Chicago Bears defenders Jack Sanborn and Daniel Hardy celebrating after a missed field goal attempt, really capture moments of his time with the team, showing his involvement in key game situations.

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