Benny Blades struck fear into opposing quarterbacks as a legendary safety for the Miami Hurricanes before cementing his legacy in the NFL and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
September 3, 1966 – Benny Blades, the former safety of the Hurricanes of the University of Miami, was born.
Blades was placed in the College Football Hall of Fame in the entry class of 2006 for his fine play.
Blades and his Canes teammate, Sean Taylor, share the Miami single-season interception record. [National Football Foundation]
He also made it to the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks during his career.
Benny Blades defined the safety position for an iconic era of Miami Hurricanes football, taking his elite ball-hawking skills to the NFL and securing his rightful place among all-time gridiron greats.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1987 as the nation’s top defensive back.
- Named a Consensus First-Team All-American in both 1986 and 1987.
- Tied the University of Miami single-season interception record (10), a record he shares with Sean Taylor.
- Won the 1987 National Championship with the Miami Hurricanes.
- Selected 3rd overall in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
- Earned NFL Pro Bowl honors in 1991.
- Named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1988.
Here are more posts about legends from the U.
- Jason Taylor: Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins NFL Legend
- Cortez Kennedy: Dominant Seahawks Hall of Fame Tackle
- Gino Torretta: The 1992 Heisman Winner & Miami Legend
- How ‘Bout Them Championships? The Legendary Ride of Jimmy Johnson
- The Physical Powerhouse: The Andre Johnson Football Legacy
- Ray Lewis: The Fearless Leader of the Baltimore Ravens Defense
- Russell Maryland: From Overweight Underdog to #1 Overall NFL Draft Pick
- The Playmaker: Michael Irvin and the Rise of the Cowboys Dynasty
- Machine Gun Kelly: The Relentless Rise of Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills Dynasty
- Jim Otto: The Iron Man Center Who Defined the Raiders Line
- Arnold Tucker: The Army Quarterback Who Led a Dynasty and Earned the Sullivan Award
- The Greatest Gamble: How the 1984 Orange Bowl Gave Birth to the Miami Dynasty
- The Hurricane Hangover: Edgerrin Jamesβ 299 Yards Drown UCLAβs BCS Dreams in a 49-45 Thriller
- The Day a Dynasty Tilted: Remembering “Wide Right I” (Miami 17, FSU 16)
- Football History of November 13
- Miami Royalty: Vinny Testaverde’s Record-Breaking Journey from Heisman Winner to NFL Iron Man
- The Miracle of Miami: How Frank Reich Led the Biggest Comeback in NCAA History
- The Mad Stork: Ted Hendricks, A Towering Terror on Defense
- 1988 Catholics vs. Convicts Game
- No. 3 Miami versus No. 4 Florida State 1987
Celebrate Football History With Your Collection
"Heads up: A few links in this description are affiliate links. That means if you click through and grab something, I might get a small cut that helps keep the lights on hereβat zero additional cost to you!"
