The Unlikely Hero: Reed Blankenship's Journey to NFL Greatness

Reed Blankenship's name may not be familiar to casual NFL fans, but for those who follow the sport closely, he is a name that evokes a sense of surprise and admiration. A punter who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Blankenship defied expectations and became a key contributor to the Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl run in 2017. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Reed Blankenship, exploring what made him an unexpected hero in the NFL.

Reed Blankenship's Rise to Prominence

Blankenship's journey to the NFL began in rural Illinois, where he grew up playing football in a small town. Despite his athletic ability, Blankenship was not considered a top prospect out of high school, and he ended up playing college football at Taylor University. However, after a standout season, Blankenship caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Road to the NFL

Blankenship's College Years

Blankenship's college years were marked by hard work and dedication. At Taylor University, he was a standout player on the football team, earning All-American honors and setting multiple school records. His impressive performance on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts, who began to take notice of the talented punter.

The Draft Process

The 2016 NFL Draft was a day that Blankenship had been waiting for his entire life. As a seventh-round pick, he was not considered a top prospect, and many experts predicted that he would not make it to the league. However, Blankenship's impressive college career and strong combine performance earned him a spot on the Falcons' roster.

Training Camp and Preseason

After being drafted, Blankenship reported to Falcons training camp, where he faced stiff competition from veteran punter Matt Worch. However, Blankenship's hard work and determination paid off, as he earned a spot on the team's practice squad. In the preseason, Blankenship impressed coaches and scouts with his accuracy and hang time, solidifying his spot on the team's active roster.

The Unexpected Hero

Blankenship's Breakout Season

The Falcons' 2017 Season

The 2017 season was a turning point for the Falcons, as they made it to Super Bowl LII. While the team's offense and defense received most of the attention, Blankenship's punting play was a crucial factor in their success. With his pinpoint accuracy and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory, Blankenship helped the Falcons' defense limit scoring opportunities and allowed the team's offense to thrive.

Blankenship's Key Contributions

• 4th Quarter Heroics: In the Falcons' Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Blankenship came up big in the 4th quarter, pinning the Rams deep in their own territory and forcing a field goal attempt that was ultimately blocked.
• High-Powered Punt Returns: Blankenship's punts were a key factor in the Falcons' success on special teams. He averaged over 50 yards per punt and had several high-powered punt returns that gave the team's offense great field position.

The Impact of Blankenship's Success

Blankenship's Legacy

The Punter's Impact on the Falcons

Blankenship's success had a profound impact on the Falcons, helping the team to achieve its highest ranking in franchise history. His contributions on special teams were a key factor in the team's ability to limit scoring opportunities and give the offense a chance to succeed.

A New Era for Punters

Blankenship's success also marked a new era for punters in the NFL. No longer content to simply be a specialty player, Blankenship and other talented punters began to assert themselves as key contributors to their teams' success.

A Role Model for Young Players

Blankenship's story serves as an inspiration to young players who may not be considered top prospects out of high school. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he became a key contributor to the Falcons' success. His story shows that with the right mindset and work ethic, anything is possible.

The Future of Reed Blankenship

Blankenship's Current Status

Current Team and Role

As of the 2022 season, Blankenship is still a member of the Atlanta Falcons, serving as the team's primary punter. Despite some ups and downs, Blankenship has established himself as one of the top punters in the league, known for his accuracy and hang time.

Future Outlook

While Blankenship is still an active player, he is not getting any younger. As he enters his mid-30s, he will need to continue to prove himself as one of the league's top punters. However, with his dedication and work ethic, there is no reason to think that Blankenship will not remain a key contributor to the Falcons' special teams unit for years to come.

Conclusion

Reed Blankenship's journey to the NFL was not an easy one. From a small-town Illinois native to a key contributor to the Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl run, Blankenship's story is one of perseverance and determination. As a punter, he has proven himself to be one of the most reliable and consistent players in the league, and his legacy will continue to inspire young players for years to come.