Julian Blackmon Bio
Julian Blackmon is an American professional football safety currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 24, 1998, he played college football at the University of Utah before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Blackmon has established himself as a versatile defensive back in the league since his debut.
Early Life and Background
Julian Blackmon was born in Layton, Utah, where he attended Layton High School. During his high school years, he played both cornerback and wide receiver and also participated in basketball, showcasing his athletic versatility. Rated as a three-star recruit, Blackmon committed to the University of Utah over other offers, beginning his collegiate football journey.
Path to American Football
At Utah, Blackmon initially played cornerback for his first three seasons before transitioning to safety in his senior year. His collegiate career was marked by notable achievements including being named the MVP of the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl and earning first-team All-American honors by Sports Illustrated and The Athletic in 2019. He started 39 of 48 games, accumulating 158 tackles, nine interceptions, and two touchdowns, which helped elevate his draft stock.
Julian Blackmon Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Blackmon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 85th overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite recovering from a torn ACL, he signed a four-year contract and made his professional debut in September 2020. He quickly earned a starting role at free safety following an injury to the incumbent starter. In his rookie season, Blackmon recorded 42 tackles, six pass deflections, and one interception over 15 games.
In 2021, Blackmon began as the Colts’ starting free safety but suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October, ending his season after six starts. Prior to the injury, he had accumulated 34 tackles and contributed to the Colts’ defensive efforts.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2022–2024)
Returning from injury, Blackmon competed for and secured the starting free safety position under new coaching staff. In 2022, he recorded 50 tackles, one interception, one sack, and scored his first career touchdown on an interception return. The season included a coaching change with Jeff Saturday serving as interim head coach. Blackmon’s performance improved in 2023, where he achieved career highs with 88 tackles, eight passes defensed, and four interceptions in 15 games before a shoulder injury ended his season early.
In 2024, Blackmon re-signed with the Colts and continued as a key defensive player. He finished the season with 86 tackles, three interceptions, and contributed to multiple turnovers despite missing some games due to injury. His consistent play earned him recognition as one of the reliable safeties in the league.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
In July 2025, Julian Blackmon signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. He was named a starting safety in Week 1 but suffered a torn labrum that placed him on season-ending injured reserve, cutting short his debut season with the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blackmon is known for his versatility in the secondary, capable of playing both cornerback and safety positions. His range, athleticism, and ability to defend passes and create turnovers make him a valuable asset in pass coverage. His experience and adaptability allow him to contribute effectively in various defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Blackmon’s career milestones include being named MVP of the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl, earning first-team All-American honors in college, recording his first NFL interception and touchdown, and overcoming significant injuries to maintain a starting role in the NFL.
Julian Blackmon Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Julian Blackmon has contributed significantly to his teams’ defensive successes, recording multiple interceptions, pass deflections, and key tackles. His ability to impact games through turnovers and defensive plays highlights his value as a safety.
Indianapolis Colts Highlights
During his tenure with the Colts, Blackmon made notable plays including his first career interception against the Chicago Bears in 2020 and a game-winning interception return for a touchdown in 2022. He consistently ranked among the team’s top defenders and played a pivotal role in the secondary.
Other Performances
Blackmon’s collegiate career at Utah was distinguished by his defensive statistics and leadership in the secondary, which translated into his professional success. His resilience through injuries and ability to return to form have been key aspects of his career.
Julian Blackmon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Julian Blackmon’s family background are limited publicly. He was born and raised in Layton, Utah, but no verifiable information about his parents or family lineage is available.
Personal Life
Julian Blackmon is married to Tyra Gilmore. The couple announced their engagement in February 2024 and were married on July 12, 2024. There is no public information about children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Julian Blackmon joined the New Orleans Saints on a one-year contract. He was named a starting safety but suffered a torn labrum in the first game, which ended his season prematurely. This injury was a setback after several productive seasons with the Colts. The Saints will look to his recovery and future contributions once he returns to full health.