Jump to content

Bennie Blades: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit Android app edit App section source
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American football player (born 1966)}}
{{Short description|American football player (born 1966)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
|name =Bennie Blades
| name = Bennie Blades
|image =Bennie Blades Gridiron Greats 2015.JPG
| image = Bennie Blades Gridiron Greats 2015.JPG
|image_size =
| image_size = 200px
|alt =
| alt =
|caption =Bennie Blades honored GridIron Greats Hall of Fame Sept. 2015
| caption = Blades in September 2015
|number =36
| number = 36
|position =[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]
| position = [[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]
|birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1966|9|3|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1966|9|3|mf=y}}
|birth_place =[[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]
| birth_place = [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], U.S.
|death_date =
| death_date =
|death_place =
| death_place =
|height_ft =6
| height_ft = 6
|height_in =0
| height_in = 0
|weight_lbs =221
| weight_lb = 221
|high_school =[[Piper High School (Florida)|Sunrise (FL) Piper]]
| high_school = [[Piper High School (Florida)|Piper]] <br> ([[Sunrise, Florida]])
|college =[[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]]
| college = [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] (1984–1987)
|draftyear =1988
| draftyear = 1988
|draftround =1
| draftround = 1
|draftpick =3
| draftpick = 3
|pastteams =
| pastteams =
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|1988}}–{{NFL Year|1996}})
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|1988|1996}})
* [[Seattle Seahawks]] ({{NFL Year|1997}})
* [[Seattle Seahawks]] ({{NFL Year|1997}})
|highlights =
| highlights =
* 3× Second team [[All-Pro]] ([[1988 All-Pro Team|1988]], [[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]])
* 3× Second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1988 All-Pro Team|1988]], [[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]])
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1992 Pro Bowl|1991]])
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1992 Pro Bowl|1991]])
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1988|1988]])
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1988|1988]])
* [[Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team]]
* [[Detroit Lions#Lions All-Time Team|Detroit Lions All-Time Team]]
* [[Detroit Lions#Lions All-Time Team|Detroit Lions All-Time Team]]
* [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|National champion]] ([[1988 Orange Bowl|1987]])
* [[Jim Thorpe Award]] (1987)
* [[Jim Thorpe Award]] (1987){{efn|Co-winner with [[Rickey Dixon]]}}
* 2× Consensus [[All-American]] ([[1986 College Football All-America Team|1986]], [[1987 College Football All-America Team|1987]])
* 2× [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[1987 College Football All-America Team|1987]], [[1986 College Football All-America Team|1986]])
|statlabel1 =Games played
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
|statvalue1 =136
| statvalue1 = 860
|statlabel2 =Games started
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
|statvalue2 =134
| statvalue2 = 5.0
|statlabel3 =Tackles
| statlabel3 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
|statvalue3 =772
| statvalue3 = 9
⚫
|statlabel4 =Interceptions
| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
|statvalue4 =14
| statvalue4 = 11
|statlabel5 =Fumbles recovered
⚫
| statlabel5 = [[Interceptions]]
|statvalue5 =11
| statvalue5 = 14
⚫
|nfl =
| statlabel8 = [[Touchdown|Total touchdowns]]
⚫
|pfr =BladBe00
| statvalue8 = 2
⚫
|HOF =
⚫
| pfr = BladBe00
|CollegeHOF =2177
| CollegeHOF = 2177
}}
}}

'''Horatio Benedict "Bennie" Blades Sr.''' (born September 3, 1966) is a former [[American football]] [[cornerback]] and [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played college football at the [[University of Miami]].
'''Horatio Benedict Blades Sr.''' (born September 3, 1966) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). A three-time All-Pro, Blades was named to both the [[Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team]] and the [[Detroit Lions#Lions All-Time Team|Detroit Lions All-Time Team]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]].


==College career==
==College career==
⚫
Blades played a big part in the [[University of Miami]]'s winning the 1987 [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] National Championship. He also won the [[Jim Thorpe Award]] in that year and, in 2006, was named to the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] for his play with the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]]. He shares the University of Miami single season interception record with fellow Miami Hurricane [[Sean Taylor]].


⚫
During his play at the University of Miami, he and the defensive secondary were nicknamed "Bennie and the Jets," a reference to [[Bennie and the Jets|the song]] by [[Elton John]], for their speed, power, ability, and stand-out defensive play. Blades also was known for taunting and intimidating opposing players.
⚫
Blades played a big part in the [[University of Miami]]'s winning the 1987 [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] National Championship. He also won the [[Jim Thorpe Award]] in that year and, in 2006, was named to the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] for his play at the University of Miami. He shares the University of Miami single season interception record with fellow Miami Hurricane [[Sean Taylor]].

⚫
During his play at Miami he and the defensive secondary were nicknamed "Bennie and the Jets," (in reference of the [[Elton John]] song of the same name) for their speed, power, ability & stand-out defensive play. He is also remembered for taunting and intimidating opposing players.


Blades was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary ''[[The U (film)|The U]]'', which premiered December 12, 2009 on [[ESPN]].
Blades was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary ''[[The U (film)|The U]]'', which premiered December 12, 2009 on [[ESPN]].


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
⚫
Following his graduation from the University of Miami, Blades entered the [[1988 NFL Draft]] and spent ten seasons in the NFL. He played for the [[Detroit Lions]] from 1988–1996 and the 1997 season with the [[Seattle Seahawks]], teaming up with his older brother, [[wide receiver]] [[Brian Blades]], who also played collegiate football at the University of Miami.
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 5/8
| weight = 216
⚫
| dash = 4.53
| ten split = 1.64
| twenty split = 2.70
| shuttle = 4.18
| cone drill =
| vertical = 33.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 1
⚫
| bench = 15
| arm span =
| hand span = 8 3/4
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=25931 |title=Bennie Blades, Combine Results, SS - Miami (FL) |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=July 29, 2022}}</ref>
}}

⚫
Following his graduation from the [[University of Miami]], Blades entered the [[1988 NFL draft]] and was selected in the first round with the third overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1988 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1988/draft.htm |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He spent ten seasons in the NFL. He played for the [[Detroit Lions]] from 1988 to 1996 and the 1997 season with the [[Seattle Seahawks]], teaming up with his older brother, [[wide receiver]] [[Brian Blades]], who also played collegiate football at the University of Miami.


During his time with the Lions, Blades was considered one of the most physical defensive backs in the NFL, even playing as a linebacker in certain passing situations toward the end of his career. Blades is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Lions' history.
During his time with the Lions, Blades was considered one of the most physical defensive backs in the NFL, even playing as a linebacker in certain passing situations toward the end of his career. Blades is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Lions' history.


The Lions selected Blades with the third overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, and he went on to earn NFL All-Rookie honors for the 1988 season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1991 - in addition to receiving First-Team All-NFL and First-team All-NFC honors. He was the Lions’ Defensive MVP in 1992 and led the team with 78 tackles in 1996.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1996.htm#all_defense| title = 1996 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players {{!}} Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> He had two 100-tackle seasons in is first two seasons in Detroit.
The Lions selected Blades with the third overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, and he went on to earn NFL All-Rookie honors for the 1988 season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1991 - in addition to receiving First-team All-NFL and First-team All-NFC honors. He was the Lions’ Defensive MVP in 1992 and led the team with 78 tackles in 1996.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1996.htm#all_defense| title = 1996 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players {{!}} Pro-Football-Reference.com| website = [[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> He had two 100-tackle seasons in is first two seasons in Detroit.


An underrated professional player, Blades was a key component to the Lions’ defense that helped the team claim two [[NFC Central]] titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship game. He was a defensive captain for five years in Detroit and his 815 career tackles place him second on the Lions’ all-time list.
An underrated professional player, Blades was a key component to the Lions’ defense that helped the team claim two [[NFC Central]] titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship game. He was a defensive captain for five years in Detroit and his 815 career tackles place him second on the Lions’ all-time list.
Line 97: Line 119:


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Blades' has a blended family of 8 children: (3) boys Horatio (H.B.), Jaylen and Tylan; (5) girls Elice, Ashley, Amber, Bianca and Alyssa.
Blades' has a blended family of eight children, including three boys: [[H. B. Blades|Horatio (H. B.)]], Jaylen and Tylan, and five girls: Elice, Ashley, Amber, Bianca and Alyssa.


⚫
On September 25, 2015, Blades was inducted into GridIron Greats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gridirongreats.org/halloffame/docs/GG_Detroit_090815.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070816/http://gridirongreats.org/halloffame/docs/GG_Detroit_090815.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Each being a vital part of his life and success. Horatio (H.B.) also played in the NFL for 5 seasons.


==Notes and references==
He has been supported by his wife, Linda Blades throughout his post NFL career.
{{Notelist}}

⚫
Blades was honored September 25, 2015 as a GridIron Greats inductee.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gridirongreats.org/halloffame/docs/GG_Detroit_090815.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070816/http://gridirongreats.org/halloffame/docs/GG_Detroit_090815.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Twitter}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061024230253/http://www.miamist.com/archives/2006/05/31/the_interview_bennie_blades.php "Bennie Blades: The Interview"], ''The Miamist'', May 31, 2006.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061024230253/http://www.miamist.com/archives/2006/05/31/the_interview_bennie_blades.php "Bennie Blades: The Interview"], ''The Miamist'', May 31, 2006.


Line 116: Line 136:
{{Thorpeawardwinners}}
{{Thorpeawardwinners}}
{{1988 NFL Draft}}
{{1988 NFL Draft}}
{{LionsFirstPick}}
{{Lions1988DraftPicks}}
{{Lions1988DraftPicks}}
{{Lions75th}}
{{Detroit Lions All-Time Team}}
{{Detroit Lions All-Time Team}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Blades, Bennie}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blades, Bennie}}
Line 129: Line 152:
[[Category:Miami Hurricanes football players]]
[[Category:Miami Hurricanes football players]]
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
⚫
[[Category:Piper High School (Florida) alumni]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]
[[Category:Seattle Seahawks players]]
[[Category:Seattle Seahawks players]]
⚫
[[Category:Piper High School (Florida) alumni]]
[[Category:Ed Block Courage Award recipients]]

Latest revision as of 03:08, 3 November 2024

Bennie Blades
refer to caption
Blades in September 2015
No. 36
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1966-09-03) September 3, 1966 (age 58)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:221 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school:Piper
(Sunrise, Florida)
College:Miami (FL) (1984–1987)
NFL draft:1988 / round: 1 / pick: 3
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:860
Sacks:5.0
Forced fumbles:9
Fumble recoveries:11
Interceptions:14
Total touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference
College Football Hall of Fame

Horatio Benedict Blades Sr. (born September 3, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). A three-time All-Pro, Blades was named to both the Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team and the Detroit Lions All-Time Team. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

College career

[edit]

Blades played a big part in the University of Miami's winning the 1987 NCAA National Championship. He also won the Jim Thorpe Award in that year and, in 2006, was named to the College Football Hall of Fame for his play with the Miami Hurricanes. He shares the University of Miami single season interception record with fellow Miami Hurricane Sean Taylor.

During his play at the University of Miami, he and the defensive secondary were nicknamed "Bennie and the Jets," a reference to the song by Elton John, for their speed, power, ability, and stand-out defensive play. Blades also was known for taunting and intimidating opposing players.

Blades was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary The U, which premiered December 12, 2009 on ESPN.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+5⁄8 in
(1.84 m) 		216 lb
(98 kg) 		8+3⁄4 in
(0.22 m)		 4.53 s 1.64 s 2.70 s 4.18 s 33.0 in
(0.84 m)		 10 ft 1 in
(3.07 m)		 15 reps
All values from NFL Combine[1]

Following his graduation from the University of Miami, Blades entered the 1988 NFL draft and was selected in the first round with the third overall pick.[2] He spent ten seasons in the NFL. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1988 to 1996 and the 1997 season with the Seattle Seahawks, teaming up with his older brother, wide receiver Brian Blades, who also played collegiate football at the University of Miami.

During his time with the Lions, Blades was considered one of the most physical defensive backs in the NFL, even playing as a linebacker in certain passing situations toward the end of his career. Blades is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Lions' history.

The Lions selected Blades with the third overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, and he went on to earn NFL All-Rookie honors for the 1988 season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1991 - in addition to receiving First-team All-NFL and First-team All-NFC honors. He was the Lions’ Defensive MVP in 1992 and led the team with 78 tackles in 1996.[3] He had two 100-tackle seasons in is first two seasons in Detroit.

An underrated professional player, Blades was a key component to the Lions’ defense that helped the team claim two NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship game. He was a defensive captain for five years in Detroit and his 815 career tackles place him second on the Lions’ all-time list.

Interception Stats Defense Stats
Year Team Games INTs Yards TD FF FR Yards TD Sacks Tackles Safety
1988 Detroit Lions 15 2 12 0 3 4 22 0 1.0 102 0
1989 Detroit Lions 16 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0.0 100 0
1990 Detroit Lions 12 2 25 0 1 1 0 0 1.0 83 0
1991 Detroit Lions 16 1 14 0 2 3 21 0 0.0 93 0
1992 Detroit Lions 16 3 56 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 95 0
1993 Detroit Lions 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 23 0
1994 Detroit Lions 16 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1.0 71 0
1995 Detroit Lions 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 69 1
1996 Detroit Lions 15 2 112 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 78 0
1997 Seattle Seahawks 10 2 11 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 58 0
Totals 136 14 230 1 9 11 43 0 5.0 772 1

Personal life

[edit]

Blades' has a blended family of eight children, including three boys: Horatio (H. B.), Jaylen and Tylan, and five girls: Elice, Ashley, Amber, Bianca and Alyssa.

On September 25, 2015, Blades was inducted into GridIron Greats.[4]

Notes and references

[edit]
  1. ^ Co-winner with Rickey Dixon
  1. ^ "Bennie Blades, Combine Results, SS - Miami (FL)". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  2. ^ "1988 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  3. ^ "1996 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players | Pro-Football-Reference.com". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  4. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bennie_Blades&oldid=1255094908"