Defensive force Bennie Blades burst onto South Beach and helped lead the Miami Hurricanes to a National Championship in 1987. He was a key component of the famed defense, even earning the unit the moniker of “Bennie and the Jets” due to free flowing and hard hitting the style of play exhibited by the squad. His play that year also earned him the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football each year.
The Fort Lauderdale native then took his talents to the Motor City, when he was drafted third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL Draft. He picked up in the NFL right where he left off in college, quickly earning the reputation as one of the most fierce, violent and intimidating defensive backs in the history of the game.
“The Punisher” earned his nickname each and every Sunday afternoon, as he received All-Rookie honors in 1988. He was also named an All Pro in 1988 and a Pro Bowler in 1991. He was the defensive anchor that led the Lions to two NFC Central titles and an NFC Championship game appearance in 1991. He retired as the team’s second all time leading tackler with nearly 800 stops.
I caught up to the College Football Hall of Famer who talked about the placement of his Jim Thorpe Award, having some pretty cool signed boxing gloves around the house as a child, the stack of Barry Sanders memorabilia in his garage and more.
