Rodrigo Blankenship Shines in USFL Comeback with Perfect Start
Atlanta, GA – Former Georgia Bulldogs star Rodrigo Blankenship, affectionately known as "Hot Rod," has made waves in the United States Football League (USFL) as a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks. After not kicking in the NFL since 2022, Blankenship has re-emerged as a fan favorite, starting the season on a perfect note with 16 successful field goals.
Blankenship’s impressive performance includes a long kick of 56 yards, with an eye-catching five field goals from over 50 yards. His accuracy and powerful leg have rekindled the enthusiasm of Georgia fans who remember his stellar college career. Over four seasons in Athens, he converted 82.5% of his field goal attempts (80-for-97) and successfully made all 200 extra-point attempts, ranking second in UGA history for both categories.
His NFL stint included time with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, where he converted 83.9% of his kicks. However, his long-range performance left something to be desired, with only two successful attempts on five tries from 50 yards or more. His current success in the USFL, especially from long distances, often cited as a barrier to further NFL opportunities, could bolster his chances of making an NFL roster in 2025.
The Battlehawks and Blankenship are generating buzz as the USFL season progresses, and fans are eagerly watching to see if he can carry this momentum forward. With a flawless opening and a proven track record, the “Hot Rod” appears primed for a significant comeback.
Paul Harvey, Atlanta
Covering SEC Football
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
