Why this professional placekicker refuses to take off his glasses during high-stakes games
In short: Rodrigo Blankenship is a standout placekicker known as much for his distinctive eyewear as his record-breaking field goals. Beyond his precision on the gridiron, he advocates for embracing one's authentic self, proving that performance matters more than appearance. His journey spans from collegiate stardom to professional leagues across the country.
Born in 1997 in Marietta, Georgia, Rodrigo Blankenship began his path to professional football at age ten. After a successful high school career, he joined the University of Georgia as a walk-on in 2015. His college tenure was defined by remarkable consistency; he notably finished his career having never missed a single extra point, successfully converting all 200 attempts. During his time as a Bulldog, he set a Rose Bowl record with a 55-yard field goal in 2018 and eventually earned the Lou Groza Award in 2019 as the nation's top kicker.
Blankenship's professional career began in 2020 when he joined the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. His rookie season was marked by a game-winning overtime kick against the Green Bay Packers and a selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. However, his professional trajectory has been defined by resilience, involving stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the United Football League's St. Louis Battlehawks and Birmingham Stallions. Throughout these transitions, he has maintained a focus on his craft, often adjusting his technique to improve performance, such as his dramatic increase in touchbacks during his 2017 collegiate season.
Beyond the field, Blankenship is recognized for his unique personality and interests. He is an avid collector of rare sneakers, a fan of complex LEGO sets, and a cat owner. His decision to wear thick glasses while competing has become a signature trait, one he uses to encourage others to feel confident in their own skin. He believes that personal style should never be a source of shame, emphasizing that his ability to deliver under pressure is the only metric that truly defines his professional identity.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Rodrigo Blankenship
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