Safety Reed Blankenship of the Philadelphia Eagles has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication with a one-year contract extension through the 2025 campaign. The team announced the extension on Monday, highlighting Blankenship's journey from an undrafted player to a quality starter.

After completing a remarkable five-season career at Middle Tennessee State, Blankenship went undrafted but managed to secure a spot on the Eagles' roster in 2022 as a rookie. Throughout his debut season, he demonstrated his potential by playing in 10 games and making four starts. Blankenship quickly made an impact, stepping in for the injured C.J. Gardner-Johnson during a Monday Night Football game against Green Bay and intercepting an Aaron Rodgers pass.

In his rookie year, Blankenship tallied a total of 32 tackles and defended two passes. These experiences paved the way for a breakout 2023 season, during which he started in 15 games and emerged as one of the team's defensive leaders. Blankenship's exceptional performance earned him 108 total tackles, with 75 of them being solo hits. Additionally, he was credited with 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery.

Blankenship's remarkable achievements in the 2023 season placed him among an elite group of NFL players. He was one of only five players who recorded 105-plus tackles, 3-plus interceptions, and 10-plus passes defensed. This impressive feat solidified his position as a valuable asset to the Eagles' defense.

Heading into his third NFL season, Blankenship remains focused on refining his skills and contributing to Vic Fangio's defense. He expressed his eagerness to continuously improve, stating that he believes he can enhance every aspect of his game.

With his contract extension securing his future with the Eagles until 2025, Blankenship can now focus on continuing his upward trajectory and further solidifying his role as a key figure in the team's defense. As he moves forward, Blankenship's dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration to other undrafted players and a testament to the opportunities that await those who never cease to strive for excellence.