In the world of professional football, stories of under-the-radar players rising to prominence capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Reed Blankenship is one such story. Hailing from Athens, Alabama, Blankenship quietly built his résumé at Middle Tennessee State before going undrafted in 2022—and then carving out a meaningful role and starting spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, as he enters his fourth NFL season, he has already become a key piece of the defense, a Super Bowl champion, and someone whose journey offers lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunity.
In this article we’ll explore his background, college career, NFL entry and development, playing style, statistical productions, off-field identity, and projections for the future. If you’re looking to understand who Reed Blankenship is and why he matters in today’s NFL, keep reading.
Early Life & High School
Reed Scott Blankenship was born on March 2, 1999 in Athens, Alabama.
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Growing up in the small town of Lester, Alabama, he attended West Limestone High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete and excelled in football and basketball.
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Football & Other Sports
At West Limestone, Blankenship was a standout. As a senior in 2016, he was an all-state, all-region, all-area selection in football, and he also helped lead the team in basketball to a 4A state championship.
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On the gridiron, he displayed versatility—at different times rushing, receiving, and even passing—finishing his high school career with over 3,000 rushing yards, 1,000+ receiving yards, 1,000+ passing yards and 46 total touchdowns.
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Character & Foundation
Growing up in a rural setting, helping on the farm, playing multiple sports, and earning leadership roles laid a foundation of work ethic and humility for Blankenship. In later interviews he’s referenced that small-town experience and how every snap, every drill mattered when you’re fighting to stand out. That mentality would serve him well in college and the NFL.
College Career at Middle Tennessee State
Blankenship committed to the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (MTSU) and had a steadily climbing college career. His time at MTSU is marked by durability, production, leadership and breaking school records.
Freshman Year (2017)
In his true freshman year, Blankenship appeared in 13 games, starting 9, and finished with 68 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack and 2 interceptions. He earned Honorable Mention All-Conference USA and C-USA All-Freshman Team honours.
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This established him as someone who could contribute early.
Sophomore Year (2018)
Starting 12 of 13 games, Blankenship led the Blue Raiders defense with 107 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 4 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. That year he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in a standout game vs. Old Dominion.
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He earned First-Team All-CUSA honours. That season is where his national profile began to rise.
Junior Year (2019)
In 2019 he struggled with a significant leg injury that ended his season after 7 games. Prior to the injury, he had 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups and blocked 2 kicks (which tied for the national lead).
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Despite the setback, he was still named Second-Team All-CUSA.
Senior Years (2020-2021)
In 2020, Blankenship started all 9 games and led his team with 76 tackles, despite a shortened season.
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In his final collegiate year (2021), Blankenship started all 13 games, had 110 tackles (career-high), 10.0 TFLs, 9 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries (ranked 3rd nationally) and set the school’s all-time tackles record during a game vs Charlotte.
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He earned First-Team All-CUSA, was a Senior CLASS Award candidate, and was recognized for both athletics and academics.
Summary & Takeaways
Durable production: Each full year he started and produced meaningfully.
Big-play capability: Interceptions, forced turnovers, big returns.
Leadership and football IQ: Team captain, full-time starter, setting records.
Resilience: Coming back from injury in 2019 and finishing strong in 2021.
Positional versatility: While primarily a safety, his skill set included run support, zone coverage, special teams and even blocked kicks.
These college attributes positioned him as an NFL prospect, albeit from a Group of 5 school—not one of the high-profile Power 5 programs—so the pathway to the NFL would require proving himself once again.
Journey to the NFL
Despite his college production, Blankenship went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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However, his story didn’t end there—far from it.
Signing with the Philadelphia Eagles
Shortly after the draft, Blankenship signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles on May 5, 2022.
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His rookie contract was for three years, valued at approximately $2.56 million, with about $55,000 guaranteed and a $5,000 signing bonus.
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Initial Role & Setting the Tone
At training camp, Blankenship was competing for a roster spot among safeties such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace and others. He started out as a backup and special teams contributor. Early in the season he made his NFL debut on October 9, 2022, vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
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Breakout Opportunity
On November 27, 2022, with Gardner-Johnson injured, Blankenship got more playing time on defense. In a notable moment, he intercepted Aaron Rodgers’ pass (via tight end Tyler Davis) in the Eagles’ win over the Green Bay Packers.
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Subsequently he was named the starting strong safety on December 4, 2022, and made his first career start vs. the Tennessee Titans with 3 solo tackles and a pass deflection.
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He finished his rookie year having played 10 games (4 starts) and compiled 34 combined tackles, 1 interception and 2 passes defended.
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Key Observations
Going undrafted didn’t stop him; he used his opportunity with special teams and injury substitution to show his value.
His development shows the importance of depth-chart movement and seizing your moment when called.
The Eagles recognized his value, and he has since earned extensions.
NFL Career Development & Statistics
Let’s look at his NFL career by year, note statistical trends, and highlight key moments.
2022 Season
Games played: 10 (starts: 4)
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Combined tackles: 34 (solos: 20)
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Interceptions: 1, Passes defended: 2
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In his rookie season he mostly contributed on special teams and rotated into defense after an injury to a starter. He showed enough promise that the coaching staff trusted him in key moments.
2023 Season
In 2023, Blankenship became a full-time starter. Some notable stats:
Games played: 15 (starts: 15)
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Combined tackles: 113 (solos: 79)
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Passes defended: 11, Interceptions: 3
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Notable performance: In Week 4 vs. Washington, he had 8 combined tackles, a pass breakup, and intercepted Sam Howell.
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His leap from rotational to full-time starter status underscores his development.
2024 Season
The 2024 campaign saw further evolution:
Games: 15 (15 starts)
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Combined tackles: 78 (solos: 52)
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Interceptions: 4 (career-high)
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Passes defended: 6
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· In the Wild Card playoff game vs. Green Bay he had 11 combined tackles and a forced fumble.
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· In the Super Bowl LIX victory vs. Kansas City, he recorded 3 combined tackles.
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He also signed a one-year extension worth around $3.93 million (fully guaranteed) in April 2024.
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Style of Play & Strengths
Tackling & Run Support: His collegiate tackling record and NFL solo tackle counts show his willingness and ability to engage in run-support.
Ball Skills: Multiple interceptions and pass breakups indicate he can make plays in coverage.
Versatility & Football IQ: Transitioned from special teams and backup role to full-time starter, showing adaptability.
Durability & Consistency: Since becoming a starter he has maintained a steady presence in the lineup with full-season participation.
Intangibles: His journey displays perseverance, coachability and work ethic.
Areas for Improvement
Coverage Consistency: As with many young safeties, refining positioning and minimizing big-play allowances is a growth area.
Big Play Impact: While improvements have come, generating more turnovers and impactful plays (forced fumbles, pick-six) could elevate his profile.
Contract Security: As a one-year extension player, he is set to continue proving himself for a longer-term deal.
Character, Leadership & Off-Field Life
Beyond what he does on the field, Blankenship has drawn attention for his character, humility and leadership.
Work Ethic & Humility
From his small-town Alabama roots, Blankenship has maintained a low-key, hard-working persona. Stories from the Eagles’ training camp reveal his focus on controlling what he can control and making the most of every opportunity.
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His journey from undrafted to starter helps reinforce the narrative of earning rather than being given.
Community & Service
While detailed records of his off-field charity involvement are fewer than some high-profile veterans, he has been recognized for representing charitable causes and being a positive presence in the locker room. For example, his profile lists involvement with youth football camps and charitable efforts.
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Leadership
Though still relatively young in his career, Blankenship is already being viewed as a stabilizing presence in the Eagles’ secondary. The fact that coaches have trusted him as a starter and he has taken on more responsibility speaks to his leadership emerging early.
Context & Fit in the Philadelphia Eagles Defense
Joining the Eagles in 2022, Blankenship became part of a defensive unit with strong expectations, a history of success, and high standards.
Defensive Scheme & Role
Philadelphia’s defense requires safeties who can contribute in multiple phases—run support, deep coverage, and blitzer/slot responsibilities when needed. Blankenship’s skill set aligns with this versatility. His full-time starter role in 2023-24 shows coaches’ confidence.
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Fit & Chemistry
Playing alongside veteran safeties and defensive backs, Blankenship has integrated into the system, learned the communication and positioning nuances, and become part of the unit’s backbone. His relatively young age means he can form long-term chemistry with teammates.
Big Games, Pressure Moments
Blankenship has experienced the highest stakes early in his career—from making his first start to playing in the Super Bowl. That kind of exposure accelerates development, builds mental toughness, and strengthens his résumé. For example, his playoff snaps and Super Bowl participation demonstrate the team trusts him when it matters most.
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Notable Moments & Highlights
The 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in college vs. Old Dominion (2018).
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Making the Eagles’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2022—one of only three UDFAs to do so with the team that year.
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First career interception vs. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) in 2022.
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113 combined tackles in 2023 as a starter—making a big jump.
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Picking off Jordan Love in Week 1 (2024 season opener in São Paulo) and key interception vs. Derek Carr in Week 3.
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Starting and contributing in Super Bowl LIX (2025) as part of the Eagles’ victory.
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These moments highlight his ascent from overlooked prospect to key contributor.
Contract & Market Value
Blankenship’s initial undrafted status meant a modest contract. However, his performance has increased his value:
Rookie contract (2022): 3 years, ~$2.56 million, with minimal guarantees.
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One-year extension (April 1, 2024): ~$3.93 million fully guaranteed with a $1.85 million signing bonus.
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His next contract negotiation will likely reflect his solid starting experience, Super Bowl win, and positional value.
From teams’ and agents’ perspectives, upcoming years could see him secure a multi-year deal. But the one-year extension also means he must continue to produce to leverage that market.
What Lies Ahead: Future Outlook
Short-Term Goals
Continue as full-time starter and reduce mistakes or coverage breakdowns.
Increase turnover production (interceptions, forced fumbles) to bolster value.
Maintain or improve tackle and solo tackle stats, demonstrating reliability.
Long-Term Potential
Becoming one of the top safeties in the league: With youth on his side, Blankenship has the chance to build a sustained high-level career.
Leadership role: As older players retire or move on, he could anchor Philadelphia’s secondary for years.
Market value and contract: A strong next contract (multi-year, multi-million) could validate his rise.
Challenges to Monitor
Injuries: As athleticism is key in his role, staying healthy is essential.
Competition & scheme changes: Defensive systems and personnel evolve; he’ll need to adapt.
Big-play consistency: While solid, sustained dominance and big highlight plays will elevate his status further.
Why His Story Matters
Blankenship’s trajectory offers several take-aways:
Undrafted doesn’t equal “no chance.” His rise shows that work ethic and seizing opportunities can overcome draft status.
Small-school players can make it in the NFL. Coming from Middle Tennessee State, he had to prove himself at every level.
Development matters. From special teams contributor to key starter—not overnight, but deliberate growth.
Character and humility pay off. His grounded approach, team-first attitude and readiness to learn have helped.
Positional value in modern defenses. The safety position continues to evolve, and players like Blankenship who can cover, tackle, and support the run are increasingly valuable.
For fans, analysts, and aspiring players alike, his journey is a reminder that talent plus opportunity plus work can yield results—even without the marquee draft status.
Fan & Media Perception
Media coverage of Blankenship has acknowledged his under-dog origins and his steady ascent. For example, an article titled “The legend of Reed Blankenship serves as an important reminder” by Eagles’ writer Dave Spadaro highlights how his rookie preseason work set the stage for his later role.
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Fan bases often gravitate to players whose journeys reflect “earning it.” In Philadelphia—a passionate football city—Blankenship’s hard-working style, combined with memorable plays, has earned him respect.
Analysts see him as a rising mid-tier safety with potential to grow into high-tier status if turnover and impact numbers improve.
Key Statistics at a Glance
Here are some of his key career numbers (regular season only, up to 2024) for quick reference:
Tackles (combined): ~225+
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Interceptions: 8 (career)
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Passes defended: 22
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Games played: 40+
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These numbers reflect solid productivity, particularly considering his undrafted start.
Final Thoughts
Reed Blankenship’s journey—from rural Alabama to Super Bowl champion safety for the Philadelphia Eagles—is both inspiring and instructive. His rise underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability and legitimate production. While he still has work to do to ascend into the very top echelon of NFL safeties, the foundation is firmly established.
For Eagle fans, college football followers, or young athletes, his story offers hope: that draft status isn’t destiny, and meaningful NFL success can be carved via opportunity, preparation and consistent performance.
If you’d like, I can pull together game-by-game highlight clips, deeper advanced metrics (e.g., coverage grades, missed tackle rate) or compare Blankenship to other safeties in his class. Would that be of interest?
