Career Summary

Tom Zbikowski was a Notre Dame safety who played five NFL seasons and later coached football.

Zbikowski played safety at Notre Dame before Baltimore selected him in the 2008 NFL Draft.

He played for the Ravens and Colts, appearing in 64 regular-season games, and later moved into coaching.

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Early Life

Zbikowski grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Notre Dame listed Zbikowski's hometown as Arlington Heights, Illinois, and identified Buffalo Grove High School as his school.

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High School

At Buffalo Grove High School, Zbikowski was a decorated quarterback and safety.

Zbikowski was a three-year starter at quarterback and safety at Buffalo Grove High School. He set school career records for points, touchdowns, rushing attempts, rushing yards and passing attempts.

As a senior, he rushed for 1,287 yards and 23 touchdowns while also making 41 tackles and three interceptions at safety.

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College Career

Zbikowski was a two-time Notre Dame captain and the program's defensive-back career tackles leader.

Zbikowski started 48 consecutive games for Notre Dame and totaled 300 tackles, the school record for defensive backs cited by the Ravens.

In 2004, he had 70 tackles and returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown against Michigan State.

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Path to the NFL

Baltimore selected Zbikowski in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Ravens chose Zbikowski with the 86th overall selection in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

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NFL Career

Zbikowski played 64 NFL games, recording 113 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks.

Zbikowski appeared in 64 regular-season games with Baltimore and Indianapolis. NFL statistics credit him with 113 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks and eight passes defended.

He also contributed on special teams with 20 kickoff returns for 428 yards and 16 punt returns for 101 yards.

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Career Accomplishments

Zbikowski combined a record-setting Notre Dame defensive career with five NFL seasons.

At Notre Dame, Zbikowski held the defensive-back career record with 300 tackles. He then played five NFL seasons and made 64 regular-season appearances.

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Playing Style

Zbikowski contributed as a safety and return specialist.

NFL statistics show Zbikowski producing tackles, interceptions, sacks and passes defended as a safety. He also handled kickoff and punt returns.

Notre Dame described him as a big-play, hard-hitting safety after his emergence as a starter.

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Legacy

Zbikowski is remembered at Notre Dame for his production and at Baltimore as a former Ravens player who entered coaching.

Notre Dame records highlight Zbikowski's 300-tackle career total for a defensive back. The Ravens later recognized him among former players coaching around the country.

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Post-Career

After playing, Zbikowski pursued a coaching career.

The Ravens reported that Zbikowski's interest in coaching grew during his playing career and later included him among former players coaching around the country.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27