Marquise Blair

Marquise Blair's Biography

Marquise Damond Blair was born on July 18, 1997 and is well known on the American sports scene as a professional football safety who has grown in his career to currently be a free agent. Blair’s love for football ran in his veins from his high-school years. A product of Wooster High School in Wooster, Ohio, his exceptional skill on the field noticed him being named as a First-team Division II all-state during his senior year at school. His reputation for tenacious agility and unyielding focus on the field also earned him the honor of being named first-team Division II All-Ohio and the Ohio Cardinal Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

After graduating high school, Blair attended Dodge City Community College before making a successful transfer to the University of Utah after the culmination of the 2016 season. His raw power and near-perfect technique won him a spot as a first-team junior college All-American selection. At Dodge City, he amassed over 100 tackles, 3 sacks, and made 4 interceptions, contributing greatly to the team’s success, eventually being selected as an all-conference pick there.

Blair’s career took off in 2017 when he secured a spot in the starting lineup with the Utah Utes. He made an impression starting in 6 of the 9 games played, displaying his expert defensive plays, recording over 48 tackles, and two pass breakups. However, his season was cut short due to an injury sustained in a game against UCLA. Despite the setback, Blair returned in full force for the 2018 season, demonstrating his commitment and tenacity as he started in all 14 games and made a significant contribution with 59 stops, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

His performances caught the eye of the talent scouts and he was eventually drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. Blair started the 2020 NFL season in the position of starting nickelback for the Seahawks, making a smooth transition from his original position as safety. His performances proved vital in securing several victories, including a memorable victory against the Atlanta Falcons where Blair forced a fumble that help secured a 38–25 victory. A twist of fate saw Blair step into the role of free safety in the second game of the season against the New England Patriots, but an unfortunate teammate collision resulted in torn anterior cruciate ligament cutting his season short.

Blair returned to the field in 2021 once again as a backup free safety but was quickly sidelined due to a knee injury suffered in Week 7. He displayed great resilience and recovery as he was signed by the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. His performances led to his promotion to the active roster before subsequently being released. Not long after, Blair was engaged with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice team before his eventual release later in December.

In February 2023, Blair signed a reserve/futures deal with the Eagles and after being released by the team on April 24, with an NFI designation, was once again back in the mix, signed by the Seattle Seahawks on July 26, 2024. He was released on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad, but was released again on September 24.

The journey of Marquise Damond Blair is one marked by tenacity, resilience and a relentless passion for the sport he loves. With every game, he has proven to be a formidable force on the football field, embodying the spirit and heart of a true athlete. His career, while marked by periods of adversity, has always seen him emerge stronger, making him an admirable figure in the world of professional football and a shining example to up and coming players in the sport.