Teez Tabor
{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Teez Tabor
| image = Teez Tabor (52306774219) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Tabor with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|12|31}}
| birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lbs = 201
| high_school = Friendship Collegiate Academy
(Washington, D.C.)
| college = Florida (2014–2016)
| draftyear = 2017
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 53
| pastteams =
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
- Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|2020}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2022}})*
- Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2022}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2023}})*
- Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2023}})
- Houston Roughnecks ({{XFL Year|2024}})*
- San Antonio Brahmas ({{UFL Year|2024}})
| status =
| highlights =
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 59
| statlabel2 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue2 =
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 =
| statlabel4 = Pass deflections
| statvalue4 =
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 =
| pfr = TaboTe00
}}
Jalen "Teez" Tabor (born December 31, 1995) is an American professional football safety. He played college football at Florida, and was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
Early life
Tabor attended Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C. Tabor was rated by Rivals.com as a five-star recruit.{{Cite web |title=Jalen Tabor |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/3533 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=n.rivals.com}} He originally committed to the University of Arizona to play college football, but he would later switch his commitment to the University of Florida.{{Cite news |last=Stubbs |first=Roman |date=January 2, 2014 |title=Friendship Collegiate DB Jalen Tabor commits to Arizona |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/recruiting-insider/wp/2014/01/02/friendship-collegiate-db-jalen-tabor-commits-to-arizona/ |access-date=September 25, 2016 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Gerry |date=January 9, 2014 |title=ESPN 300 Jalen Tabor flips to Gators |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfrecruiting/on-the-trail/post/_/id/50339/espn-300-jalen-tabor-flips-to-gators |access-date=September 25, 2016 |newspaper=Espn.com}}
College career
As a true freshman at Florida in 2014, Tabor played in all 12 games and had five starts under head coach Will Muschamp.{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Jordan |date=August 18, 2015 |title=UF's Jalen Tabor determined to build on success, earning starting job with Gators |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/os-gators-football-0819-20150818-story.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} He finished the season with 31 tackles, one interception and two sacks. Before the 2015 season, Tabor and the Gators would have a new head coach, Jim McElwain, after the departure of Muschamp. As a sophomore in 2015, he started nine of the 13 games and was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection after recording 39 tackles, four interceptions, and one sack.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Edgar |date=December 18, 2015 |title=Gators' All-SEC cornerback Jalen Tabor vows to be even better in 2016 |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/swamp-things-blog/os-gators-jalen-tabor-vows-better-2016-20151218-post.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}{{Cite web |last=Simonton |first=Jesse |date=April 5, 2016 |title=UF Gators' Jalen Tabor working to be a complete cornerback |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article70183167.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=Miami Herald}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Edgar |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Gators cornerback Jalen Tabor building on breakout season with eye on NFL |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/os-gators-football-0402-20160401-story.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} As a junior in 2016, Tabor earned his second career first-team All-SEC selection. He would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Jalen Tabor will enter NFL Draft |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jalen-tabor-will-enter-nfl-draft |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Heading into the NFL Combine, the majority of NFL draft experts and analysts projected Tabor to be a first round pick. Tabor received an invitation to the NFL Combine, but put up unimpressive numbers for multiple running drills. He attended Florida's Pro Day and opted to have another attempt at the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash, but ended up putting slower times in all three. Tabor attended private workouts that were held by the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions.{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Seth |date=March 20, 2017 |title=Arizona Cardinals workout Florida cornerback Teez Tabor |url=http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2017/3/20/14985262/arizona-cardinals-workout-florida-cornerback-teez-tabor |access-date=May 31, 2017 |website=revengeofthebirds.com}}{{Cite web |last=DeMara |first=Max |date=April 5, 2017 |title=Report: Detroit Lions workout Florida cornerback Teez Tabor |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/article/report-detroit-lions-have-workout-with-florida-cornerback-teez-tabor-52152273/ |access-date=May 31, 2017 |website=det.247sports.com}} His draft stock began to plummet and NFL Draft experts and analysts projected him to fall to the second or third round. Once considered a top five cornerback in the draft by some analysts, he was ranked as the eighth best cornerback in the draft by Sports Illustrated and was ranked the 12th best cornerback in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com and ESPN.{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Chris |date=April 24, 2017 |title=2017 NFL draft rankings: Top prospects by position |url=https://www.si.com/2017-nfl-draft-position-rankings |access-date=May 30, 2017 |website=si.com}}{{Cite web |last=Legwold |first=Jeff |date=April 22, 2017 |title=Ranking the 2017 Draft's Top 100 Prospects |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/19180310/ranking-top-100-prospects-available-2017-nfl-draft-espn-nfl-nation-reporter-jeff-legwold |access-date=May 30, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 1/2
| weight = 199
| dash = 4.62
| ten split = 1.54
| twenty split = 2.67
| shuttle = 4.22
| cone drill = 6.99
| vertical = 32.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 0
| bench = 9
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32
| hand span = 8 5/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Florida's Pro Day{{Cite web |last=Zierlein |first=Lance |title=Teez Tabor Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/teez-tabor/32005441-4227-1322-41f6-5d7755c0567c |access-date=May 30, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=*Teez Tabor, DS #12 CB, Florida |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=130725&DraftYear=2017 |access-date=May 30, 2017 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=Detroit Lions=
The Lions selected Tabor in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=April 28, 2017 |title=Detroit Lions draft cornerback Teez Tabor |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-draft-weekend/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-cornerback-Teez-Tabor/3155825e-e815-40e0-b945-64fec870eb9a |access-date=April 28, 2017 |website=Detroit Lions |archive-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429050809/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-draft-weekend/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-cornerback-Teez-Tabor/3155825e-e815-40e0-b945-64fec870eb9a |url-status=dead }} He was the ninth cornerback to be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was reunited with Florida teammate Jarrad Davis, who the Lions selected 21st overall. Tabor was the fourth of eight Florida Gators to be selected in 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On May 12, 2017, the Lions signed Tabor to a four-year, $4.82 million contract that included $2.33 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.64 million.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Teez Tabor contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/jalen-tabor-21794/ |access-date=May 14, 2017 |website=spotrac.com}}{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Max |date=May 21, 2017 |title=Lions' Teez Tabor uses speed criticism as motivation |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-teez-tabor-uses-speed-criticism-as-motivation-0ap3000000810089 |access-date=May 21, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}
He competed with Nevin Lawson and D. J. Hayden for the starting cornerback position. Tabor was named the Lions' fourth cornerback to begin his rookie season, behind veterans Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, and D. J. Hayden. On October 1, 2017, Tabor made his professional regular season debut during the Lions' 14–7 win over the Minnesota Vikings. As a rookie, he appeared in ten games and made one start.{{Cite web |title=Teez Tabor 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaboTe00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2018 season, he appeared in 12 games and started four.{{Cite web |title=Teez Tabor 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaboTe00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On August 30, 2019, Tabor was released by the Lions.{{Cite web |last=Meinke |first=Kyle |title=Detroit Lions part with Teez Tabor in first wave of cuts |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/08/detroit-lions-part-with-teez-tabor-in-first-wave-of-cuts.html |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=mlive.com|date=August 30, 2019 }}
=San Francisco 49ers=
On September 30, 2019, Tabor was signed to the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=September 30, 2019 |title=Teez Tabor signs with the 49ers' practice squad |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/teez-tabor-signs-with-the-49ers-practice-squad |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} He re-signed with the 49ers on February 5, 2020.{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2020 |title=49ers Sign 14 Free Agents |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-14-free-agents |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=49ers.com}} He was waived on July 6, 2020, with a non-football injury designation.{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2020 |title=49ers Sign CB Jamar Taylor; Waived Non-Football Injury CB Teez Tabor |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-jamar-taylor-waive-teez-tabor |access-date=July 7, 2020 |website=49ers.com}}
=Chicago Bears=
On December 23, 2020, Tabor signed with the practice squad of the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |last=Lieser |first=Jason |date=December 23, 2020 |title=Bears sign former Lions CB Teez Tabor to practice squad |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2020/12/23/22198121/teez-tabor-chicago-bears-detroit-lions-2017-nfl-draft-florida-gators-stats-contract-cornerback |access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=SunTimes.com}} On January 11, 2021, Tabor signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=January 11, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Bears sign 10 to reserve/future deals |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-10-sign-to-reserve-future-deals |access-date=February 16, 2021 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} He switched to safety after not having the requisite speed to play the cornerback position for the Lions.{{Cite web |last=Herff |first=Joseph |date=August 20, 2021 |title=5 Chicago Bears players who deserve more action in preseason |url=https://beargoggleson.com/2021/08/20/chicago-bears-playing-time-preseason-bills/ |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=Bear Goggles On |language=en-US}}
On August 31, 2021, Tabor was waived by the Bears and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Bears announce 53-man roster |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-announce-53-man-roster |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=September 1, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Bears sign 13 players to practice squad |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-sign-13-players-to-practice-squad |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} He was promoted to the active roster on October 19, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Bears place Quinn on COVID list, Bush on IR |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-place-quinn-on-covid-list-bush-on-ir |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} Tabor was placed on injured reserve on December 29, 2021.{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2021 |title=NFL injury updates, latest league news from Wednesday, Dec. 29 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-injury-updates-latest-league-news-from-wednesday-dec-29#:~:text=Defensive%20backs%20Xavier%20Crawford%20and,reserve%2FCOVID%2D19%20list. |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}
As mostly a reserve, he played 34% of the team's snaps as a special teamer and 28% of them on defense.{{Cite web |last=Choate |first=Dave |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Falcons sign DB Teez Tabor |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/3/17/22983448/falcons-sign-db-teez-tabor |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}} He played six games and made one start for the Bears in the 2021 season.{{Cite web |title=Teez Tabor 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaboTe00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Atlanta Falcons=
On March 17, 2022, Tabor signed with the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |last=Bair |first=Scott |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Falcons sign offensive lineman, defensive back in free agency |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-safety-teez-tabor-elijah-wilkinson-free-agency |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He competed as a backup safety and cornerback - especially in the nickel - while also working on special teams.{{Cite web |last=Choate |first=Dave |date=May 28, 2022 |title=How many starting jobs are up for grabs for the Falcons this summer? |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/5/28/23143268/how-many-starting-jobs-are-up-for-grabs-for-the-falcons-this-summer |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ledbetter |first=D. Orlando |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Cover 9@9: A look at the Falcons' revamped secondary |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons-blog/cover-99-a-look-at-the-falcons-revamped-secondary/RZBFOUG3CBE4JNQFDGAPFU7FGQ/ |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English}} He was released on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Bair |first=Scott |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Falcons announce initial 53-man roster heading into 2022 regular season |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-announce-initial-53-man-roster-heading-into-2022-regular-season |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}{{Cite web |last=McElhaney |first=Tori |date=August 31, 2022 |title=Falcons sign four to practice squad |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-four-to-practice-squad |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}
=Seattle Seahawks (first stint)=
On September 15, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks signed Tabor off the Falcons practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=September 15, 2022 |title=Seahawks Place Jamal Adams On Injured Reserve, Sign Teez Tabor |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-place-jamal-adams-on-injured-reserve-sign-teez-tabor |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=Seahawks.com}} In the 2022 season, Tabor appeared in ten games and made one start for the Seahawks.{{Cite web |title=Teez Tabor 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaboTe00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Indianapolis Colts=
On August 14, 2023, Tabor signed with the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2023 |title=Colts sign S Teez Tabor, waive RB Zavier Scott with injury settlement |url=https://www.colts.com/news/teez-tabor-signed-safety-zavier-scott-running-back-waived |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=Colts.com}} He was released on August 27, 2023, as part of final roster cuts before the start of the 2023 season.{{Cite web |date=August 27, 2023 |title=Colts waive seven players, release RB Kenyan Drake and S Teez Tabor |url=https://www.colts.com/news/release-kenyan-drake-teez-tabor |access-date=August 27, 2023 |website=Colts.com}}
=Seattle Seahawks (second stint)=
On September 20, 2023, Tabor was signed to the Seahawks practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Seahawks Sign CB Artie Burns Off Practice Squad; Place DE Mike Morris On IR |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-sign-cb-artie-burns-off-practice-squad-place-de-mike-morris-on-ir |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=Seahawks.com}} He was released on October 12, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=October 12, 2023 |title=Seahawks Sign QB Holton Ahlers To Practice Squad, Release S Teez Tabor |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-sign-qb-holton-ahlers-to-practice-squad-release-s-teez-tabor |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Seahawks.com |language=en-US}}
= Houston Roughnecks =
On December 15, 2023, Tabor was signed by the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL.{{Cite web |title=XFL Transactions |url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-transactions |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=www.xfl.com |language=en}} The Roughnecks brand was transferred to the Houston Gamblers when the XFL and United States Football League merged to create the United Football League (UFL).{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Newly formed United Football League sets 8 markets, tabs coaches |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/39222541/newly-formed-united-football-league-sets-8-markets-tabs-coaches |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}
= San Antonio Brahmas =
On January 5, 2024, Tabor was drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft.{{Cite web |title=UFL - Team Rosters |url=https://www.theufl.com/rosters |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=TheUFL.com |language=en-us}} He was released on April 23, 2024.{{Cite web |title=UFL Transactions |url=https://uflboard.com/ufl-transactions/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=UFLBoard.com |language=en-US}} He was re-signed on May 2.{{Cite web |title=UFL Transactions |url=https://uflboard.com/ufl-transactions/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=UFLBoard.com |language=en-US}} He was waived on August 23, 2024.{{cite tweet |user=UFL_PR |title=The #UFL has announced the following transactions |number=1827118631081365733 |date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 24, 2024}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Twitter}}
- [http://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2200 Florida Gators bio]
{{Lions2017DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tabor, Teez}}
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Players of American football from Washington, D.C.
Category:Florida Gators football players
Category:Detroit Lions players
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:Chicago Bears players
Category:Atlanta Falcons players
Category:Seattle Seahawks players
Category:Indianapolis Colts players
Category:Under Armour All-American football players