Robert Blanton

Last updated

Robert Blanton
Robert Blanton 2014.jpg
Blanton with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014
No. 36, 26, 29
Position: Safety
Personal information
Born: (1989-09-07) September 7, 1989 (age 35)
Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:208 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school: David W. Butler
(Matthews, North Carolina)
College: Notre Dame
NFL draft: 2012  / round: 5 / pick: 139
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:252
Fumble recoveries:1
Pass deflections:5
Interceptions:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Robert Jack Blanton (born September 7, 1989) is an American former professional football safety. He played college football at the University of Notre Dame and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

Contents

Early life

Born in Clackamas Oregon, Blanton attended David W. Butler High School in Matthews, NC. He was named second-team All-state as a sophomore after recording 126 tackles, six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, causing six fumbles and blocking six kicks. He was one of 11 players from the state of North Carolina selected to the All-Southern team by The Orlando Sentinel. He was named to the Super Southern 100 list by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of 10 cornerbacks. As a junior, he totaled 147 tackles, 12 pass breakups and seven interceptions in 15 games played. He also caught four passes for 86 yards. He was named first-team All-state in 2006 and 2007 by the Associated Press. As senior in 2007, he tallied 94 tackles, five interceptions and blocked six kicks, helping the Bulldogs reach the second round of Class 4AA playoffs and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors by The Charlotte Observer. He was one of five finalists for the Glenn Davis Award, a national award based on community service, academics and athletic accomplishment. He was selected for the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, where he played both cornerback and safety. He also played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. [1]

Blanton also participated in basketball and track & field at Butler. He ran hurdles and was a jumper, surpassing 6.40 meters (21 feet) in the long jump and clearing 2.01 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) in the high jump. As a senior in 2008, he recorded a personal-best time of 7.62 seconds in the 55m hurdles. [2] At the NCHSAA 4A State Meet, he placed 4th in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.47 seconds and 7th in the 300m hurdles with a time of 38.73 seconds. [3]

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Blanton was rated as the top cover safety in nation, the 22nd best safety in the country and the seventh-best prospect in the state of North Carolina. [4] He was also rated as the 15th-best cornerback in the country and the third-best player in his state by Scout.com.

College career

Blanton attended the University of Notre Dame between 2008 and 2011. Playing in 50 games, 26 in which he started, he amassed a total of 194 tackles, including 19.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 23 pass deflections, and eight interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeight 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m)		208 lb
(94 kg)		4.52 s1.55 s2.53 s3.97 s6.71 s34 in
(0.86 m)		9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)		12 reps
All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day [5]

Minnesota Vikings

Blanton was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the fourth pick of the fifth round (139th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft. [6] On May 22, 2012, Blanton signed with the Vikings. [7]

In 2014, Blanton had the best season of his career, leading the team in tackles with 106, while also forcing one fumble and intercepting one pass, as well as recording 3 pass deflections.

In 2015, Blanton looked to compete with Antone Exum and Andrew Sendejo for the starting job at strong safety. [8]

Buffalo Bills (first stint)

On March 18, 2016, Blanton signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth $840,000 with $80,000 guaranteed. [9] He suffered a foot injury in Week 11 and was placed on injured reserve on November 26, 2016. [10]

Dallas Cowboys

On April 20, 2017, Blanton signed with the Dallas Cowboys. [11] He was released on September 2, 2017. [12]

Buffalo Bills (second stint)

On September 20, 2017, Blanton signed with the Bills. [13] He was released on October 3, 2017. [14]

Personal life

At Butler, Blanton was recognized as Carolina Panthers Community Captain for his outstanding performance in classroom and in community. He was a member of Butler honor roll and a first lieutenant in Butler's JROTC program, receiving an JROTC Scholastic Award. He served as a coach for an 11-12-year-old football team at Youth Football Club of Mint Hill. He was spokesperson for Butler High's D.R.E.A.M. Team (Daring to Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) and was one of only 12 hand-selected members.

Related Research Articles

Jeffrey Lamar Burris is an American football coach and former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the University of Notre Dame, and was a consensus All-American. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft, and he played professionally for the Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL. Burris was the assistant defensive backs coach/defensive quality control coach for the Miami Dolphins. On October 8, 2015, Jeff Burris was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach for the Dolphins. On June 3, 2016, he was hired as a defensive analyst for his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terence Newman</span> American football player (born 1978)

Terence Newman is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats, earning unanimous All-American recognition. He was selected by the Cowboys with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft.

Issiac Holt III is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Alcorn State Braves. With the Cowboys, he won Super Bowl XXVII over the Buffalo Bills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurt Coleman</span> American football player (born 1988)

Kurt Coleman is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Mike Mickens is an American football coach and former cornerback who is the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL), and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephon Gilmore</span> American football player (born 1990)

Stephon Stiles Gilmore is an American professional football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected tenth overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL draft. Gilmore spent his first five seasons with the Bills and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 before joining the New England Patriots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamarcus Joyner</span> American football player (born 1990)

Lamarcus Joyner is an American professional football safety who is a free agent. After being named 2009 Defensive High School Player of the Year by USA Today, he played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Sendejo</span> American football player (born 1987)

Andrew Victor Sendejo is a former American football safety. He played college football for the Rice Owls, and was signed by the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League (UFL) as a free agent in 2010. Sendejo was also a member of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and the Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Thomas (cornerback)</span> American football player (born 1989)

Josh Thomas is a former American football cornerback. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round, 143rd overall of the 2011 NFL draft. He played college football at the University at Buffalo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronald Darby</span> American football player (born 1994)

Ronald Darby is an American professional football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens. A world-class sprinter during his high school years, Darby won medals at the 2011 World Youth Championships in Athletics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mario Butler (American football)</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Mario Antoine Butler is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavier Rhodes</span> American football player (born 1990)

Xavier Rhodes is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles, and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. With the Vikings, Rhodes made three Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro selection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logan Ryan</span> American football player (born 1991)

Logan Daniel Ryan is an American former football defensive back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football at Rutgers as a cornerback and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. Ryan also played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Artie Tyrone Burns Jr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Miami (FL), and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Micah Hyde (American football)</span> American football player (born 1990)

Micah Richmond Hyde is an American professional football safety who is a free agent. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. After four years in Green Bay, Hyde signed with the Buffalo Bills, where he would form one half of an effective safety tandem with Jordan Poyer. Hyde received All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for his play in Buffalo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Harris (safety)</span> American football player (born 1991)

Anthony Harris is an American former professional football safety. He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played his first six seasons with Minnesota, and was the NFL interceptions co-leader in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antone Exum</span> American football player and musician (born 1991)

Antone Chavez Exum Jr., also known mononymously as Exum, is a musician and former American football safety. He played college football at Virginia Tech, and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Byron Jones (American football)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Byron Philip Jones is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UConn Huskies, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft after a stellar combine performance. He holds the unofficial world record for the standing long jump at 12 feet 3 inches. He played five seasons for the Cowboys, where he was once named Second-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl. A free agent after his fifth season, Jones signed a five-year, $82 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavier Woods (American football)</span> American football player (born 1995)

Xavier Woods is an American professional football safety for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He played college football at Louisiana Tech.

Orlando "Duke" Thomas is a former American football cornerback. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns.

References

  1. ↑ "Notre Dame Athletics | the Fighting Irish".
  2. ↑ "Eastern High School Challenge". January 26, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  3. ↑ "NCHSAA 4A State Championships". May 10, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  4. ↑ Robert Blanton - Yahoo! Sports
  5. ↑ "Robert Blanton Player Ranking". The Sports Xchange. August 2022. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  6. ↑ "2012 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  7. ↑ Rookie safety Blanton signs with Vikings
  8. ↑ "Antone Exum Shows Promise at Safety". TwinCities.com. May 5, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Bills sign S Robert Blanton". www.buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  10. ↑ Brown, Chris (November 26, 2016). "Sammy Watkins added to active roster; Expected to play Sunday". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  11. ↑ Alper, Josh (April 20, 2017). "Robert Blanton signs with Cowboys". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com.
  12. ↑ Phillips, Rob (September 2, 2017). "Cowboys Make 38 Moves, One Trade To Reach 53; Kellen Moore Released". DallasCowboys.com.
  13. ↑ Brown, Chris (September 20, 2017). "Bills sign S Robert Blanton and DT Deandre Coleman". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  14. ↑ Brown, Chris (October 3, 2017). "Bills sign WR Brown, S Elston back to the roster; sign S Thomas". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on December 7, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.