Armed with a contract extension, what’s next for Reed Blankenship?

Blankenship had a stellar career in his five seasons at Middle Tennessee State – he started every year, he was a three-time team captain, he finished his career as the school’s all-time leading tackler, and he was an All-Conference USA performer. Blankenship was smart to listen to his agent at draft time, who directed him to sign with the Eagles where he would get a fair chance to make the team.

Not only has Blankenship “made the team” in his two seasons here, he’s become a huge contributor to the defense and special teams. His journey is a prime example for everyone coming from just a little bit under the radar.

If you can play football, the NFL will find you.

“It’s football. It’s 100 yards, and when you are in this position, you take advantage of the opportunity. That’s the mindset I’ve always had,” said Blankenship, healthy now after offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia injury that hampered him late in a 2023 season in which he led the team with 108 total tackles, the most for an Eagles safety since the 1994 season. “Starting last season and getting this contract, they are all important steps. But by no means have I ‘arrived.’ I still have that chip on my shoulder. I keep growing from my experiences.

“This is a steppingstone and I’m excited to have signed it. There is no place I’d rather be. I love the Eagles, the fans, the city, and all of the passion. It’s infectious. It fits me perfectly. But there is a lot of work for me to get where I want to be, so it’s all work for me and I’m digging in and looking forward to getting into this defense and see how it comes together.”