Blake Gillikin Bio
Blake Thomas Gillikin (born January 21, 1998) is an American professional football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2016 to 2019. Gillikin is second in NFL history in yards per punt average at 48.46, demonstrating exceptional consistency and leg strength throughout his professional career. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable punters.
Early Life and Background
Gillikin was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 21, 1998. He grew up in nearby Smyrna, Georgia, where he attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. During his high school career, he developed into a five-star punter and five-star kicker, drawing attention from college programs across the country. His exceptional leg strength and consistency set him apart from other specialists in his class.
As a senior in 2015, Gillikin delivered a championship-clinching performance that cemented his legacy at Westminster. He helped lead the school to its first GHSA Football Class AAA Georgia State Championship since 1978. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the program and showcased his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career, Gillikin chose to continue his academic and athletic pursuits at Penn State University. He immediately earned the starting punter position as a true freshman in 2016, beginning a four-year tenure as the Nittany Lions’ primary punter. His ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory quickly became a valuable asset for the Penn State special teams unit.
During his collegiate career, Gillikin established himself among the program’s all-time greats at the punter position. He ranks second on Penn State’s career punting average charts with a 43.03-yard average. He landed 53 career punts inside the opponent’s ten-yard line and remains the only player in school history to record seven punts of 65 or more yards. His 2017 season earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors, reflecting his status as one of the conference’s top specialists.
Gillikin’s senior season in 2019 continued his pattern of excellence. He averaged 42.2 yards per punt and received All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention recognition from coaches and media. His academic achievements were equally impressive, as he was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American first team, demonstrating his ability to balance rigorous athletic and academic demands.
Blake Gillikin Career
New Orleans Saints (2020–2022)
Gillikin signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. His transition to the professional ranks came with challenges, as he was placed on injured reserve during the 2020 season. Despite the setback, he demonstrated enough promise to compete for the starting role in subsequent seasons.
The 2021 season marked Gillikin’s emergence as the Saints’ starting punter. With the team moving on from longtime starter Thomas Morstead in the offseason, Gillikin seized the opportunity and established himself as the primary punter. His ability to consistently deliver hang time and placement helped the Saints’ punt coverage unit limit opponent return yards throughout the season.
Following the 2022 season, Gillikin did not receive a restricted free agent qualifying offer and became an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2023. He quickly re-signed with the Saints on March 16, 2023, but ultimately lost the punting competition to Lou Hedley during training camp. The Saints waived Gillikin on August 29, 2023, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Arizona Cardinals (2023–Present)
Gillikin’s career found new momentum when the Arizona Cardinals signed him on October 3, 2023. Joining a Cardinals team in transition, he provided stability and experience to the special teams unit. His professionalism and consistency caught the attention of coaches and teammates during the latter portion of the 2023 season.
The 2024 season represented a breakthrough year for Gillikin in Arizona. His standout performance came in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, where he punted four times with three landings inside the 20-yard line in a 29-9 victory. This exceptional effort earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, validating his value to the Cardinals’ success. Throughout the 2024 campaign, he continued to demonstrate the precision and power that characterized his collegiate and professional career.
Gillikin’s 2025 season with the Cardinals saw him continue his role as the starting punter. He remained a consistent performer for the team before being placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2025, due to a lingering back injury. On March 8, 2026, Gillikin re-signed with the Cardinals on a one-year contract, signaling the team’s confidence in his recovery and future contributions.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gillikin’s punting style emphasizes a balanced combination of distance, hang time, and accuracy. His ability to consistently pin opposing offenses inside their own end zone makes him a strategic weapon for any special teams unit. He demonstrates particular effectiveness in high-pressure situations, often delivering his best efforts when the game is on the line. His strong leg enables him to alternate between booming touchbacks and strategically placed punts that limit return opportunities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gillikin’s most notable achievements is his selection as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week following his Week 9 performance against the Chicago Bears in 2024. This recognition highlighted his impact on game outcomes through exceptional special teams play. His consistent performance throughout his NFL career has placed him among the league’s statistical leaders, most notably ranking second in NFL history in yards per punt average at 48.46.
Blake Gillikin Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Gillikin has accumulated impressive statistical totals that underscore his reliability and consistency as a punter. His career statistics reflect his ability to generate distance while maintaining accuracy, making him a valuable asset for any team seeking punt coverage excellence.
Career Highlights
As of the 2025 season, Gillikin has recorded 271 career punts for 13,132 yards, averaging 48.46 yards per attempt. He has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 99 times while recording 18 touchbacks. His longest recorded punt traveled 77 yards, demonstrating the raw power that complements his consistency.
High School Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Gillikin played a pivotal role in leading The Westminster Schools to the 2015 GHSA Football Class AAA Georgia State Championship, the school’s first such title since 1978. This championship victory represented the pinnacle of his high school career and foreshadowed his ability to deliver in crucial moments throughout his football journey.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Punts | 271 |
| Punting Yards | 13,132 |
| Average | 48.46 |
| Longest Punt | 77 yards |
| Inside the 20 | 99 |
| Touchbacks | 18 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season saw Gillikin continue his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals as the team’s primary punter. He maintained the consistency and reliability that characterized his career, regularly delivering punts that flipped field position and limited opponent return opportunities. His partnership with the Cardinals’ coaching staff and special teams unit remained strong throughout the early portion of the season.
Despite his individual success, the Cardinals faced challenges during the 2025 campaign. Gillikin’s contributions on special teams provided the team with a competitive advantage in the field position battle, even as the offense and defense navigated their respective struggles. His professionalism and work ethic set a standard for the entire special teams room.
Gillikin’s season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2025, due to a lingering back injury. The injury ended his 2025 campaign but did not diminish the legacy he continued to build with the organization. His re-signing with the Cardinals on March 8, 2026, demonstrated the team’s belief in his recovery and continued value to the franchise moving forward.