Rodrigo Blankenship, once a standout kicker for the Georgia Bulldogs, has recently signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Despite his hopes to join an NFL team, Blankenship found a new opportunity in the UFL. His impressive performance during December tryouts secured him a spot on the Battlehawks roster. The team’s inaugural game is set for March 28. Blankenship, nicknamed “Hot Rod,” has previously showcased his skills in the NFL, connecting on 83.9% of his career field goal attempts. His last NFL stint was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, but he did not make it past the preseason.

A New Chapter in the United Football League

Blankenship's decision to sign with the Battlehawks represents a significant shift in his professional journey. After facing challenges in securing an NFL contract, he chose to explore opportunities outside the league. The UFL provides a platform for players like Blankenship to showcase their talents and potentially catch the attention of NFL scouts. This move could be a strategic step toward re-entering the NFL or establishing himself as a key player in the UFL.

The UFL tryouts in December proved to be a turning point for Blankenship. His performance impressed the Battlehawks’ coaching staff, leading to this new chapter in his career. While the NFL remains his ultimate goal, the UFL offers a valuable chance to refine his skills and gain more experience. The upcoming season will be crucial for Blankenship, as he aims to prove his worth and possibly attract interest from NFL teams again. With the first game just around the corner, fans can expect to see Blankenship bring his signature accuracy and power to the field.

Reflecting on Previous NFL Experiences

Prior to joining the UFL, Blankenship had several stints in the NFL, each offering unique experiences and challenges. His most recent opportunity came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, though it did not result in a regular-season appearance. Before that, Blankenship played for both the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts in 2022. During this time, he demonstrated his reliability by making four out of five field goals. However, a missed potential game-winning kick with the Colts led to his release after Week 1.

Throughout his NFL career, Blankenship maintained an impressive 83.9% success rate on field goal attempts, including a career-long of 53 yards. His college career at Georgia from 2016 to 2019 was equally noteworthy, where he connected on 80 out of 97 field goals and set the Rose Bowl record for the longest made field goal at 55 yards. These achievements highlight Blankenship's talent and resilience, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role with the Battlehawks. As he prepares for the UFL season, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs under pressure.