Kendall Blanton

Kendall Blanton's Biography

Kendall Blanton is a professional American footballer, having proven his mettle as a determined and competitive tight end. Born on November 10, 1995, he currently holds the status of a free agent.

Blanton’s football journey began in his college years, where he played for the Missouri Tigers, one of the top teams of Missouri University. His tenure with the team was significant and spanned five seasons, during which he demonstrated his competitive nature and team spirit. Redshirting as a true freshman, his college career concluded on a high note as he finished with 44 receptions for 476 yards and six touchdowns in a total of 43 games played.

Following his college career, Blanton landed his first professional football opportunity when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Despite starting as an undrafted free agent, he inked his deal on April 29, 2019. His road with the Rams had its fair share of ups and downs, but it was marked by his relentless determination to stand out. He was waived on August 31, 2019, during final roster cuts, but in a display of resilience, Blanton was signed again to the team’s practice squad the very next day.

Eventually, the Rams made the decision to promote Blanton to their active roster on December 3, 2019. This was a momentous occasion for Blanton, as he made his debut in the National Football League (NFL) just nine days later, playing four snaps on special teams during a thrilling 28-12 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

Blanton was waived again at the end of the training camp on September 5, 2020, but was quickly brought back to the Ram’s practice squad. He spent the entire 2020 season honing his skills and improving his game on the practice squad. As a testament to his potential, Blanton was signed on a reserve/futures contract with the Rams on January 19, 2021.

The 2021 season was eventful for Blanton. Although initially waived during final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad, he didn’t remain on it for long. He was promoted to the active roster on October 24, 2021, in time for a crucial Week 7 match against the Detroit Lions. It did not take long before he was signed to the active roster a week later.

Blanton made his mark in the NFL when he scored his first touchdown in the league on January 23, 2022, during a divisional playoff victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A major breakthrough in his career came when he secured a start in the Super Bowl LVI for the injured Tyler Higbee. Even though he left the game in the first half due to a shoulder injury, Blanton was a member of the victorious team in the Super Bowl.

Following a brief stint with the Washington Commanders and another with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, Blanton was welcomed back to the Los Angeles Rams’ active roster. Although re-signed to the practice squad after being waived, his contract got terminated on November 22, 2022.

Returning to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad shortly after his release from the Rams, Blanton played his part in the Chief’s triumphant victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. Post his win, Blanton was signed on a reserve/future contract in February 2023, however, he was released in August.

Off the field, Blanton is devoted to his Christian faith. His love for football runs deep in the family; his father, Jerry Blanton, was a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs for seven seasons. Kendall Blanton’s resilience, hard work, and faith have seen him through his football career, making him an inspiring figure on and off the field.