Rick Badanjek

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Rick Badanjek
No. 26, 33, 47
Date of birth (1962-04-25) April 25, 1962 (age 62)
Place of birthWarren, Ohio, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)Running back
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight217 lb (98 kg)
US collegeMaryland
NFL draft1986 / Round: 7 / Pick: 186
Career history
As player
1986Washington Redskins
1987–1988Atlanta Falcons
Career stats

Richard Alan Badanjek (born April 25, 1962) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons. Having grown up the son of interracial parents, he was a 1981 graduate of Chalker High School in the tiny rural town of Southington, Ohio, where he led the Wildcats to their best season in school history his senior year at 9-1, winning Team MVP.[1] He ran for 5,336 yards throughout his four years at the prep level, including over 2,000 yards and winning the OHSAA Class A Offensive Back of the Year his senior season.[2][3] In a game against Ledgemont High School in 1980, Badanjek rushed for around 475 yards, en route to a 45-8 victory. [4]

He played college football at the University of Maryland and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders).[5] He played in Washington for one season before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he started two games during the NFLPA strike of 1987.[6] That year, he rushed for 87 yards on 29 carries and caught 6 passes for 35 yards, while running for a three-yard touchdown in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. [7]

College career[edit]

Graduating from Chalker High School, after an illustrious career at the small school, Badanjek committed to the University of Maryland.

College Statistics[edit]

Year School Conference Rushing Receiving
Pos G Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
1982 Maryland ACC RB 11 62 274 4.4 9 5 53 10.6 0
1983 Maryland ACC RB 11 131 635 4.8 8 26 296 11.4 1
1984 Maryland ACC RB 11 173 832 4.8 15 20 174 8.7 1
1985 Maryland ACC RB 11 155 676 4.4 12 18 166 9.2 0
Career 521 2417 4.6 44 69 689 10.0 2

Professional career[edit]

Badanjeck was drafted 186th in the seventh round in the 1986 NFL Draft by Washington.[8]

Professional Statistics[edit]

Season Age Team Rushing Receiving
Pos No. GP GS Att Yds Lng TD Fmb Rec Yds Lng TD
1986 24 WAS RB 26 6 0 - - - 0 - - - 0
1987 25 ATL RB 33 2 2 29 87 31 1 1 6 35 16 0
1988 26 ATL RB 47 6 0 - - - 0 - - - 0
Career 14 2 29 87 1 1 6 35 0

References[edit]

  1. ^ Wilbon, Michael (October 31, 1985). "Maryland's Badanjek Specializes in 6-Point Play". Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  2. ^ McCormack, Don (September 23, 2010). "A Don McCormack column: Thanks, Coach". Star Beacon. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  3. ^ Yauger, Brian (August 28, 2019). "Cernuto follows family footsteps". Tribune Chronicle.
  4. ^ "Who are 50 best football players in Mahoning Valley history". Yappi Sports.
  5. ^ "RICK BADANJEK". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  6. ^ "Rick Badanjek Stats". Pro Football Reference.
  7. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - October 11th, 1987". Pro Football Reference.
  8. ^ "1986 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-10-03.