Julian Blackmon Bio
Julian Blackmon (born August 24, 1998) is an American professional football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has played as a safety in the league since then. Blackmon is known for his versatility on the field, having played both cornerback and safety during his career.
Early Life and Background
Julian Blackmon was born in Layton, Utah. He attended Layton High School, where he played cornerback and wide receiver. As a three-star recruit, he chose to play college football at the University of Utah over offers from other schools, including Idaho and Southern Utah. In addition to football, Blackmon also participated in basketball during his high school years, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit.
Path to American Football
Blackmon played for the Utah Utes from 2016 to 2019. Initially, he played as a cornerback for his first three years before transitioning to safety in his senior season. His college career was marked by significant achievements, including being named the MVP of the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl and earning first-team All-American honors from Sports Illustrated and The Athletic in 2019. Over his college career, he started 39 of 48 games, recording impressive statistics that included 158 tackles and nine interceptions.
Julian Blackmon Career
Early Career (2020-2024)
Julian Blackmon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, being the eighth safety drafted that year. He signed a four-year contract with the Colts worth $4.62 million, which included a signing bonus. Despite recovering from a torn ACL, Blackmon made his professional debut in 2020 and quickly established himself as a key player on the defense. He finished his rookie season with 42 combined tackles and one interception.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Blackmon’s second season was cut short due to a torn Achilles, but he returned to form in 2022, finishing with 50 combined tackles and his first career touchdown. In 2023, he achieved a career-high 88 combined tackles and four interceptions, solidifying his reputation as a reliable safety. His performance earned him a Pro Football Focus grade of 68.3, ranking him among the top safeties in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Blackmon’s signature moments include his interception return for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in December 2022 and his consistent performance as a starting safety. He has been recognized for his ability to impact games defensively and has become a valuable asset to his team.
Julian Blackmon Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Julian Blackmon has received recognition for his performances, including being named Second-team All-Pac-12 in 2018 during his college career.
Julian Blackmon Awards Won
Julian Blackmon has won several accolades during his time in college and the NFL, including the prestigious MVP award at the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2017.
Julian Blackmon Family
Julian Blackmon is married to Tyra Gilmore. The couple announced their engagement in February 2024 and tied the knot on July 12, 2024.
Personal Life
Blackmon maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career in professional football. He has shown dedication both on and off the field, balancing his professional commitments with his family life.