Atari Bigby

Last updated

Atari Bigby
Atari Bigby Signing Autographs.jpg
Bigby in 2008
No. 47, 20, 27, 26
Position: Safety
Personal information
Born: (1981-09-19) September 19, 1981 (age 42)
Trelawny Parish, Jamaica
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:213 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school: Miami (FL)
College: UCF
Undrafted: 2005
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:250
Sacks:1.0
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:3
Interceptions:10
Player stats at NFL.com

Atari David Bigby ((born September 19, 1981) is a former American football safety. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.

Contents

Bigby has also been a member of the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and the San Diego Chargers. With the Packers, Bigby won Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Early years

Bigby is named after the American video game console company with the same name. He attended Miami High School in Miami, Florida, where he lettered three years in football and two in track. He attended high school with safety Marquand Manuel, Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Roscoe Parrish, Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jamaal Jackson, and Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem. As a prep player at Miami (Fla.) Senior High School, played every position on the field other than lineman. His senior year, Bigby recorded 72 tackles, four forced fumbles, and one interception, on defense. On offense, he had 500 receiving yards, 315 rushing yards, and nine touchdowns. Bigby earned second-team Class 6A all-state honors and also played in the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. [1]

College career

As a redshirt freshman at University of Central Florida, Bigby played in 11 games and made 38 tackles. [2]

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

After going undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft, Bigby was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 16, 2005. He was later waived by the Dolphins on July 25, 2005, prior to the start of the preseason. [3]

New York Jets

Bigby was signed by the New York Jets on August 11, 2005, only to be waived during final cuts on September 3.

Green Bay Packers

Bigby celebrating an interception in 2009 Atari Bigby celebrates his interception.jpg
Bigby celebrating an interception in 2009

Bigby was originally signed to the Packers practice squad on November 1, 2005. He was promoted to the active roster on December 22, 2005, and made his NFL debut on December 25 against the Chicago Bears. He was inactive for the final contest against the Seattle Seahawks.

Bigby was waived by the Packers at the end of the 2006 preseason, but was signed two days later to their practice squad. After spending the first 10 weeks of the season on the Packers' practice squad, Bigby was signed to the active roster on November 15, 2006. He recorded two tackles during the season.

After a very successful 2007 training camp and preseason, Bigby replaced starting strong safety Marquand Manuel, who was released prior to the 2007 regular season. Bigby was named the NFC Defensive Player of the month for December 2007. [4] Bigby tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions during the month in just four games. The Packers posted a 3–1 record in December and clinched the NFC North division, locking up the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Bigby posted an interception in three of Green Bay's four December games. He had a 22-yard interception in Week 14 and recorded a career-high two interceptions the next week against St. Louis. Bigby finished the month with an interception in the Packers' win over Detroit.

On January 12, Bigby started his first playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the game with seven tackles (one for a loss), a forced fumble and a pass defensed. Bigby had two big hits, one that led to a Marcus Pollard fumble that was recovered by Green Bay's defensive end Aaron Kampman. Green Bay took the lead on the ensuing drive.

An exclusive-rights free agent in the 2008 offseason, Bigby signed a one-year tender deal with the Packers. [5]

Bigby had the Packers' first 2008 interception in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football , picking off quarterback Tarvaris Jackson in the fourth quarter. He played in just seven games during the season due to injuries and was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury on December 18. Bigby finished the 2008 season with 21 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception.

On February 26, 2009, Bigby received a second-round tender offer worth $1.545 million from the Green Bay Packers. He was free to sign a contract with another team when he became a free agent on the 27th, but the Packers had the right to match the deal.

Bigby won his first Super Bowl when the Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. [6] Bigby was the first player to emerge from the tunnel when the Packers were introduced.

Seattle Seahawks

Bigby signed with the Seattle Seahawks on August 16, 2011, and played in 15 regular season games. [7]

San Diego Chargers

Bigby signed with the San Diego Chargers on March 16, 2012.

On March 8, 2013, Bigby was released by the Chargers. [8]

Career statistics

Career statisticsTacklesInterceptionsOther
SeasonTeamGGSSoloAstTotalSackIntYdsLongFFPDef
2005 GB 10000000000
2006 GB 50112000000
2007 GB 161666208605502239
2008 GB 7615621017702
2009 GB 131137124904141408
2010 GB 40606000000
2011 SEA 152126181.000002
2012 SD 1111491968000003
Career 4633125391641.0107122324

Personal life

Atari Bigby was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States at age 4. He was named by his grandmother, who liked the name Atari. "Atari" is a Japanese word meaning "hit a target", akin to an English speaker exclaiming "bullseye!". During his time at UCF, he insisted he was not named after the video game console of the same name. He is married to Jill and has 2 daughters, Michelle, born in 2001, and Leenah, born in 2004 and 3 sons, Atari Kente Bigby, who was born February 10, 2008. David Bigby who was born in 2011, and Joshua, who was born in 2014. [9] [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Collins</span> American football player (born 1983)

Nicholas Cordell Collins is an American former professional football safety for seven seasons for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, and was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Collins led the league in interceptions returned for touchdowns and interception return yards in the 2008 season. In Super Bowl XLV, he intercepted Ben Roethlisberger for a touchdown as the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31–25.

Eugene Keefe Robinson is an American former football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1985. In addition to his 11 seasons with the Seahawks, he was a member of the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons for two seasons each and the Carolina Panthers for one season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Hawk</span> American football player and sports analyst (born 1984)

Aaron James Hawk is an American sports analyst and former American football linebacker who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Green Bay Packers fifth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft and he would later win Super Bowl XLV with the team over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also a member of the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Ohio State, where he earned All-American honors twice and won the Lombardi Award as a senior. He won the BCS National Championship with the Buckeyes as a freshman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ted Thompson</span> American football player and executive (1953–2021)

Ted Thompson was an American professional football player and executive in the National Football League (NFL). He was the general manager of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017. Thompson had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as a linebacker and special teams player with the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquand Manuel</span> American football player and coach (born 1979)

Marquand Alexander Manuel is an American football coach and former safety who is the safeties coach for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks. After playing college football for the University of Florida, he was selected in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played for eight seasons in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions. He was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tramon Williams</span> American football player (born 1983)

Tramon Vernell Williams Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Williams spent much of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, playing with them from 2006 to 2014, and again in the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons. He was also a member of the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2007 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 89th overall and 87th season in the National Football League (NFL). The Packers finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. They received for the first time since 1997 a bye for the first round of the playoffs, won their divisional round playoff game, and lost in the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. It was the first time the Packers had lost a home NFC Championship game, and only their third home playoff loss ever. This was the last season for quarterback Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer, as he initially retired following the season but came out of retirement and was subsequently traded to the New York Jets during the offseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Rouse</span> American politician and football player (born 1984)

Aaron Roosevelt Rouse is an American politician and former football player. A member of the Democratic Party, Rouse represents the 22nd district in the Senate of Virginia. He previously served on the Virginia Beach City Council. Rouse formerly played in the National Football League (NFL) and United Football League (UFL).

Brian William Russell is a former American football safety who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 2001 to 2009. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2001 and last played for the Houston Texans. He played college football at The University of Pennsylvania and San Diego State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howard Green (American football)</span> American football player (born 1979)

Howard Green Jr. is a former American football nose tackle who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University for the LSU Tigers football team.

The National Football League playoffs for the 2007 season began on January 5, 2008. The postseason tournament concluded with the New York Giants defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, 17–14, on February 3, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Walden</span> American football player (born 1985)

Erik Lashawn Walden is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks. With the Packers, he won Super Bowl XLV in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarius Wynn</span> American football player (born 1986)

Jarius Jessereel Wynn is a former American football defensive end. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft and won a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XLV over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan Burnett</span> American football player and coach (born 1989)

Morgan Mark Burnett is a former American football safety and current American football coach for Walton High School. He played college football at Georgia Tech and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. He announced retirement in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl Thomas</span> American football player (born 1989)

Earl Winty Thomas III is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and received consensus All-American honors and played in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. He left after his redshirt sophomore year and he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During his time with the Seahawks, he made 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams as he was a core member of the Legion of Boom defense, winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos and started in Super Bowl XLIX. After nine seasons with Seattle, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent and played one season while earning his 7th Pro Bowl invite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kam Chancellor</span> American football player (born 1988)

Kameron Darnel Chancellor, nicknamed "Bam Bam Kam", is an American former professional football safety who spent his entire nine-year career with the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies prior to being selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft. A four-time Pro Bowler, he was one of the key members of their Legion of Boom secondary. He also helped lead the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Chancellor retired following complications from a neck injury he suffered in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malcolm Smith (American football)</span> American football player (born 1989)

Malcolm Xavier Smith is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLVIII after the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Shields</span> American football player (born 1987)

Samuel George Shields III is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. Shields was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He won Super Bowl XLV with the team over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Byron Maxwell</span> American football player (born 1988)

Byron S. Maxwell is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, where he was a member of the Seahawks' defensive group known as the Legion of Boom. Maxwell has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Irvin</span> American football player (born 1987)

Bruce Pernell Irvin Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round with the 15th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. Irvin won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos, and also played in Super Bowl XLIX where he became the first player ever to be ejected from a Super Bowl. He played college football at West Virginia.

References

  1. ↑ "Atari Bigby's Bio at packers". packers.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
  2. ↑ "Atari Bigby". Archived from the original on December 3, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Packers.com > Team > Players > Atari Bigby". Packers.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2006. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Atari Bigby Voted Defensive Player Of The Week". Packers.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2007.
  5. ↑ "Packers re-sign Bigby". JSOnline.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
  6. ↑ "Super Bowl XLV - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers - February 6th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Atari Bigby 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  8. ↑ Copeland, Kareem (March 8, 2013). "Tom Telesco: Chargers won't spend big in free agency". NFL.com. Retrieved March 8, 2013.
  9. ↑ "Atari Bigby's Personal at packers". packers.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
  10. ↑ "Packers: Hair today, gone tomorrow? NFL to decide". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on June 27, 2009. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.