History of Rodrigo Blankenship in Timeline

January 29, 1997

Rodrigo John Blankenship (born January 29, 1997), nicknamed "Hot Rod", is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he kicked the longest field goal in Rose Bowl history. Blankenship has received considerable media attention for the thick glasses that he wears during games.

2015

Blankenship entered Georgia in 2015 as a preferred walk-on and redshirted his first year. As a redshirt freshman, Blankenship earned the starting kicker spot.

2016

Blankenship finished the 2017 season having made 20 of his 23 field goal tries and all 63 extra points attempts. By making 87 percent of his field goals attempts, Blankenship had the sixth-best season in school history. His 67 touchbacks – a dramatic improvement over his 20 touchbacks in 2016 – were also a school record, and they came after he adjusted his technique on kickoffs. He led the SEC in extra point attempts and conversions in the 2017 season.

2017

In 2017 – his redshirt sophomore season – Blankenship received a full athletic scholarship. He informed the team of the positive news after Georgia's 20–19 victory over Notre Dame. In the 2018 Rose Bowl, Blankenship made a record-long 55-yard field goal that proved pivotal in shifting the momentum away from Oklahoma, leading to Georgia's eventual 54–48 overtime victory. In the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama, Blankenship hit a 51-yard field goal in overtime to put the Bulldogs temporarily ahead. However, Georgia ultimately lost the national championship game, 26–23.

April 16, 2018

While at Georgia, Blankenship studied digital and broadcast journalism, with a particular focus on sports journalism. On April 16, 2018, Blankenship released a rap song titled "ATD."

July 2018

In July 2018, Blankenship was selected for the preseason All-SEC First Team. During the 2018 season, he went 19-for-23 on field goal attempts and made all 65 of his extra point attempts. Following the 2018 regular season, Blankenship was named to the All-SEC Second Team.

December 2019

In December 2019, Blankenship won the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top placekicker. He also was honored as a member of the SEC Football Community Service Team. In his senior season, Blankenship led the SEC in field goal attempts and conversions.

2020

In 2020, Blankenship was named Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

April 29, 2020

Blankenship signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2020.

2021

Blankenship met Logan Harrell in their sophomore year at Georgia. They got engaged in 2021 and got married in 2022.

October 16, 2021

Blankenship played the first five games for the Colts before being placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2021, due to a hip injury. He converted seven of eight extra point attempts and 11 of 14 field goal attempts on the season.

September 27, 2022

Blankenship had a tryout with the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 27, 2022.

October 20, 2022

On October 20, 2022, Blankenship was elevated to the main roster for the Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints. He made two field goals, one from 50 yards and two out of three extra points in the 42–34 win. Blankenship reverted to the practice squad the next day. He was signed to the active roster on October 26. On November 2, Blankenship was waived with an injury settlement.

June 15, 2023

On June 15, 2023, Blankenship signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was released on August 21, 2023, after losing the kicker competition to Chase McLaughlin.

January 08, 2025

On January 8, 2025, Blankenship signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). In week 6, Blankenship would make both of his field goal attempts, one being a 53 yard kick. He would be named the special teams player of the week. On June 2, Blankenship was named to the 2025 All-UFL Team.