Mike Labinjo

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Mike Labinjo

Date of birth:	July 8, 1980 (1980-07-08) (age 27)
Place of birth:	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Career information
Position(s):	Linebacker
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	255 lb (116 kg)
College:	Michigan State
NFL Draft:	2004 / Round: None
Organizations
As player:
2004 2005 2005-2006 2007	Philadelphia Eagles Indianapolis Colts Miami Dolphins Calgary Stampeders
Stats at NFL.com

Mike Labinjo aka "Binjo" (born July 8, 1980 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is professional American football player currently playing for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Labinjo attended prestigious St. Michael's College School, in Toronto, Ontario. 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 of 2003, Labinjo declared for the NFL Draft. The linebacker was not drafted by an NFL 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.

In 2004, Mike went to NFL training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles and was signed as a linebacker. He appeared in 3 games, totaling 12 tackles (12 solo).^[3] 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 caught on 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^[4] and was signed by the Indianapolis Colts on March 14, 2007. He was released by the Colts on May 8, 2007.

2007 saw Labinjo join the Calgary Stampeders. 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.

Mike Labinjo is currently playing for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, and has become Calgary's nightlife ambassador.^{[citation needed]}.