Where is Rodrigo Blankenship Now? What Happened to Rodrigo Blankenship?
by Jayasree D
Updated Nov 21, 2023
Where is Rodrigo Blankenship Now?
Rodrigo Blankenship, after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on June 15, 2023, is currently not playing for any NFL team. Unfortunately, he was released on August 21, 2023, as he lost in a competition against Chase McLaughlin for the kicker position.
This means he is not affiliated with the Buccaneers or any other team at the moment. Blankenship is now a free agent, and his future in professional football is uncertain. It's a period of transition for him, and fans are waiting to see where his career will take him next in the competitive world of the NFL.
Who is Rodrigo Blankenship?
Rodrigo Blankenship is an American football placekicker known as "Hot Rod.", in Marietta, Georgia, he played college football at the University of Georgia, where he gained fame for his accurate kicking and distinctive thick glasses. Blankenship, of Brazilian descent, started as a walk-on, eventually earning a scholarship.
He won the prestigious Lou Groza Award for the nation's top placekicker in 2019. In the NFL, he began his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, showcasing his skills and earning recognition as part of the All-Rookie Team.
After stints with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and a brief period with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, Blankenship has become known not only for his kicking prowess but also for his interests in rap music, LEGO, and shoe collecting.
Full Name
Rodrigo John Blankenship
Date of Birth
January 29, 1997
Place of Birth
Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
Age
26
Height
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight
184 lb (83 kg)
Family
Parents: Ken and Izabella Blankenship
Maternal Grandparents: Brazilian descent
High School
Sprayberry (Marietta, Georgia)
College
University of Georgia (2015–2019)
Position
Placekicker
Career Status
Free Agent
Nicknames
"Hot Rod"
Rodrigo Blankenship Age
Rodrigo Blankenship was born on January 29, 1997, making him 26 years old. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, he stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 184 pounds. Blankenship attended Sprayberry High School in Marietta before playing college football for the University of Georgia from 2015 to 2019. As a placekicker, he gained recognition for his achievements, including winning the Lou Groza Award in 2019 and earning a spot on the First-team All-SEC in the same year.
Notably, he was part of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020 during his early years in the NFL. Blankenship has a successful field goal percentage of 83.9% in his professional career.
Rodrigo Blankenship's Early Life
Rodrigo Blankenship, born in Marietta, Georgia, had a diverse early life. Raised by parents Ken and Izabella Blankenship, Rodrigo has Brazilian heritage through his maternal grandparents. Before pursuing football, he spent years playing soccer, eventually transitioning to kicking football at the age of ten. Blankenship attended Sprayberry High School in Marietta, where he showcased his kicking skills and participated in the 2014–15 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Despite starting as a preferred walk-on at the University of Georgia in 2015, Blankenship's dedication led him to become the starting kicker in his redshirt freshman year. Known for his distinctive thick glasses on the field, Rodrigo's journey from soccer enthusiast to standout football kicker began in his early years, marking the beginning of a successful career in collegiate and professional football.
Rodrigo Blankenship Career
Rodrigo Blankenship, born on January 29, 1997, in Marietta, Georgia, has had a notable career in American football as a placekicker. After attending Sprayberry High School, he joined the University of Georgia from 2015 to 2019. Despite entering as a walk-on, Blankenship earned a scholarship and became a key player for the Georgia Bulldogs. His collegiate achievements include winning the prestigious Lou Groza Award in 2019 and earning All-SEC honors.
In 2020, Blankenship entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Indianapolis Colts. He quickly made an impact, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Over his career, he demonstrated accuracy with a field goal percentage of 83.9% as of 2022. Blankenship briefly played with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Beyond football, he is known for his unique appearance, including thick glasses, and has diverse interests such as rap music, LEGO, and shoe collecting.
Get a grip on what's happening in the world with Fresherslive. Our articles are crafted to ensure that you can effortlessly grasp the news, making staying informed a breeze.
Rodrigo Blankenship Family
Rodrigo Blankenship comes from a supportive and diverse family background. He was born to Ken and Izabella Blankenship in Marietta, Georgia. Rodrigo's family heritage includes Brazilian roots from his maternal grandparents, who still reside in Brazil. His father, Ken, also had a football background, having played at Florida from 1967 to 1969. Ken was deeply involved in Rodrigo's football journey, coaching him in kicking from fifth grade through high school.
The Blankenship family played a significant role in nurturing Rodrigo's passion for sports, guiding him through his soccer beginnings to his successful transition into football. Beyond football, Rodrigo has spoken fondly about his family and their influence on his life and athletic pursuits
What Happened to Rodrigo Blankenship?
Rodrigo Blankenship, the former Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals kicker faced a change in his football journey. After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on June 15, 2023, he encountered tough competition for the kicker position.
Unfortunately, on August 21, 2023, Blankenship was released from the Buccaneers, losing out to Chase McLaughlin. This development marked a departure from the team.
Currently, Blankenship is not associated with any NFL team, and his future in professional football remains uncertain. The release came as a result of the competitive nature of the sport, showcasing the challenges players like Blankenship may encounter in their careers. Fans are curious to see what the future holds for the kicker in the dynamic landscape of the NFL.
Where is Rodrigo Blankenship Now-FAQs
Rodrigo Blankenship is not currently playing for any NFL team. He was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 21, 2023.
Blankenship was released on August 21, 2023, after losing in a competition against Chase McLaughlin for the kicker position.
No, Blankenship is not affiliated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or any other NFL team at the moment. He is a free agent.
Blankenship's departure resulted from losing the kicker position competition to Chase McLaughlin, leading to his release on August 21, 2023.
Rodrigo Blankenship is currently a free agent, and his future in professional football is uncertain. Fans are eager to see where his career will take him next in the competitive world of the NFL.