Al Blades Jr. Explained

Al Blades Jr.
Current Team:	New York Jets
Number:	34
Position:	Safety
Birth Date:	24 October 1999
Birth Place:	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Height Ft:	6
Height In:	1
Weight Lb:	195
High School:	St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
College:	Miami (2018–2022) Duke (2023)
Undraftedyear:	2024
Pastteams:	New York Jets (–present)
Status:	Active

Al Blades Jr. (born October 24, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Miami and Duke.

Early life

Blades Jr attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He committed to the University of Miami to play college football.^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]}

College career

Miami

As a true freshman in 2018, Blades Jr. recorded 13 tackles in 13 games. He played mainly on special teams.

In 2019, Blades Jr. recorded 36 tackles and 2 interceptions in 13 games in which he started 7 of those.

In 2020, he recorded 29 tackles and two interceptions. At the end of the season, Blades Jr. was diagnosed with myocarditis.^{[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18]}

Duke

On December 12, 2022, Blades had announced that he was transferring to the Duke Blue Devils.^[19]

Professional career

Blades signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024.^[20]

Personal life

Blades is the son of the late American football safety Al Blades. He is the nephew of former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brian Blades and former Detroit Lions safety Bennie Blades, and cousin of H. B. Blades, who played 4 seasons for the Washington Redskins in the NFL.

External links

• New York Jets bio
• Miami Hurricanes bio
• Duke Blue Devils bio

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hamilton . Gerry . June 19, 2017 . Blades Jr. honors late father by choosing Miami . 2024-05-28 . ESPN.com.
2. Web site: Commit Scouting Report: Al Blades Jr.. InsideTheU.
3. Web site: Recruiting: Al Blades Jr. honors late father with Miami Hurricanes commitment. Staff Writer. The Palm Beach Post.
4. Web site: Al Blades Jr. honors late father with Miami commitment. David. Furones. sun-sentinel.com.
5. Web site: 4-Star CB Al Blades Jr. Commits To Miami. June 19, 2017.
6. Web site: Welcome to the U, Al Blades Jr.. Cameron J.. Underwood. June 18, 2017. State of The U.
7. Web site: CB Al Blades Jr. signs with the Miami Hurricanes, which was basically cemented at birth.. Cameron J.. Underwood. December 20, 2017. State of The U.
8. Web site: Al Blades Jr. honors late father with Miami commitment. David. Furones. chicagotribune.com.
9. Web site: 4-Star CB Al Blades Jr. Commits to Miami Hurricanes over Tennessee, More. Tim. Daniels. Bleacher Report.
10. Web site: Canes' Blades has myocarditis, done for season. December 8, 2020. ESPN.com.
11. Web site: Miami's Al Blades Jr. to Miss Rest of Season After Myocarditis Diagnosis. Madeline. Coleman. Sports Illustrated.
12. Web site: Hurricanes react to Al Blades Jr.'s myocarditis diagnosis; face depth issues at CB. David. Furones. sun-sentinel.com.
13. Web site: College football COVID update: Miami's Al Blades Jr. out for season with myocarditis. USA TODAY.
14. Web site: Miami Hurricanes: Manny Diaz hopeful Al Blades Jr. will make complete recovery from myocarditis. Tom. D'Angelo. The Palm Beach Post.
15. Web site: Miami DB Al Blades Jr. out for rest of the season with myocarditis. sports.yahoo.com.
16. Web site: Miami Safety Al Blades Jr. Out for Season with Myocarditis. Jenna. Ciccotelli. Bleacher Report.
17. Web site: Miami Herald.
18. Web site: Miami DB Al Blades Jr. Reveals He Has Season-Ending Heart Issue.
19. Web site: Former Miami DB Al Blades Jr. announces transfer to ACC program. Saturday Road. Spenser. Davis. December 12, 2022. August 7, 2023.
20. Web site: Jets Sign 17 Undrafted Free Agents. Greenberg, Ethan. Pullano, John. NewYorkJets.com. May 3, 2024.