Tom Zbikowski

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Tom Zbikowski
College	Notre Dame
Conference	Independent
Sport	Football
Position	SS, Punt Returner
Jersey #	9
Class	Senior
Career	2003 – present
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	210 lb (95 kg)
Nationality	Poland
Born	May 22, 1985 (age 21) Buffalo Grove, IL
High School	Buffalo Grove High School
Career Highlights
Awards
2005 3rd team All American Punt Returner 2006 3rd team All American Safety
Bowl Games
2007 Sugar Bowl 2006 Fiesta Bowl

Thomas Michael Zbikowski, better known as Tom Zbikowski, is an All-American defensive back, punt returner, and strong safety for the University of Notre Dame football team. He grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and attended Buffalo Grove High School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He also was a golden glove boxer, who had an outstanding amateur boxing career. Zbikowski is described by Coach Charlie Weis, as "all day tough." His 2005-2006 season was nothing short of sensational. Zbikowski did not play as a freshman and started as a sophomore. He is currently heading into his senior year leaving him one more year of eligibility heading into the 2007 year. He was named a third team All-American safety at the conclusion of the 2006 regular season after being named third team All-American as a punt returner in 2005.

On June 10, 2006, Zbikowski made his professional boxing debut at Madison Square Garden, NYC, beating his opponent, Mr. Robert Bell of Akron, Ohio, within 49 seconds of the first round. The fight was compliant with NCAA guidelines. Bell, who is an Ohio State football fan, wore an Ohio State football jersey into the ring, only to be beaten in the first round by the Notre Dame safety by TKO. Zbikowski will continue his boxing career after the 2006 football season. He signed a three fight contract and has two fights left which he plans to compete in after the season. Zbikowski's next fight will be against Kevin Murphy on March 6, 2007 at the Century Center in South Bend, Indiana. This fight is a charity bout supporting Hannah and Friends, Make a Wish Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis. To donate to the TommyZ9 Foundation you may visit www.officialtommyz.com.

[edit] Trivia

Friend and former roommate of alumni ND star wide receiver and Chicago Cubs pitcher, Jeff Samardzija.
During his first two years at Notre Dame, Zbikowski lived in Alumni Hall.
15th in the nation in punt returning AVG. in the NCAA last year with 14 yards a return. (Highlight of the season was his punt return for touchdown in USC game)
4th on the team with 71 tackles.
Led team with 5 interceptions in 2005.
Will remain at Notre Dame for the 2007-08 football season as he has one more year of eligibility.