He was selected with the 18th pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions and played his entire 12-year career for the team.

[1] Backus attended Norcross High School and was a standout in football and baseball.

In July 2006, Jeff Backus signed a $40 million 6-year contract with the Lions.

On November 22, 2012, Backus' streak of starting and playing in 186 consecutive games ended due to injury.

[4] Backus became a part-time coaching intern with the Detroit Lions after his retirement from playing football.