Reed Blankenship’s Rise: From Undrafted Rookie to Philadelphia Eagles Star Safety

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few stories are as inspiring as that of Reed Blankenship. From going undrafted in 2022 to becoming a starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, Blankenship's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. His journey stands as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and an indomitable will to succeed against the odds. As we look at Blankenship's impact in 2024, it's clear that his presence on the Eagles' defense is impossible to ignore.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Key Starter

After going undrafted in 2022, Reed Blankenship was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie free agent. Many NFL hopefuls fail to make it to training camp, but Blankenship defied the odds. Coming from Middle Tennessee State, he was largely overlooked during the draft process. However, his consistent performance on the field quickly caught the attention of his teammates and coaches. Notably, it didn’t take long for one of the Eagles' defensive stars, Darius Slay, to recognize the talent and tenacity Blankenship brought to the secondary. Read more about Slay's thoughts here.

A Breakout Moment

Blankenship seized his opportunity in late 2022 when he stepped onto the field as a key defensive player. His breakout moment came during a crucial Eagles victory against the New Orleans Saints, when he secured a game-sealing interception from quarterback Derek Carr. It was a pivotal play that demonstrated not only his physical skill but his mental acuity in reading the game. This interception, combined with his impressive tackles that season, solidified his spot on the Eagles roster. Check out his career stats here.

Dominating the 2024 Eagles Defense

Entering the 2024 season, Reed Blankenship has earned his position as a cornerstone of the Eagles' defense. His performance in training camp and preseason games showcased his readiness to lead the secondary. His understanding of the defensive scheme, paired with his athleticism, has made him a vital piece of Philadelphia's defensive success this year. The Eagles' defense, characterized by its tough, resilient approach, has benefitted greatly from Blankenship's contributions. His ability to break up plays and intercept passes has allowed the Eagles to stay competitive in the challenging NFC East.

The Enduring Work Ethic Behind the Success

What sets Blankenship apart isn’t just his physical skills; it’s his relentless work ethic. Whether it's additional film sessions or extra workouts after practice, Blankenship has made sacrifice and diligence fundamental to his routine. This dedication paid off in 2023, when he agreed to a one-year contract extension to continue his journey with the Philadelphia Eagles. Read official contract details here.

Growing up in Lester, Alabama—a small town with fewer than 150 residents—Blankenship had to navigate adversity from the beginning. His journey from rural roots to the NFL farm was unconventional, but it's clear that his background has only helped shape the tough-minded athlete he is today.

Looking Ahead: Reed Blankenship in 2024

As of 2024, Reed Blankenship is a name every NFL fan should be familiar with. With one interception return yard so far this season and a total of 22 yards over his career, his numbers might not jump off the page, but his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. Blankenship has become a leader on the Eagles' defense, and his playmaking ability, combined with his leadership, has solidified his role as a key component of the team's strategy.

As Philadelphia pushes forward in a competitive conference, Blankenship’s influence will likely continue growing. His ability to shut down offensive plays, as well as his knack for being in the right place at the right time, ensures that he will remain a crucial piece of the Eagles' lineup through the end of the 2024 season—and beyond.

The Impact of Perseverance

The most inspiring aspect of Reed Blankenship’s career isn’t necessarily the accolades he’s earning now, but the road he took to get here. From being undrafted in 2022 to earning respect as a standout NFL safety in 2024, Blankenship's story is one for the history books. His rise serves as a reminder to all NFL hopefuls: your draft status doesn’t determine your future, but your work ethic does.