In the realm of sports, some stories just hit differently. Reed Blankenship’s journey from a tiny Alabama town to the NFL? That one will stick with you! It’s all about hustle, heart, and a killer support system. Who are these incredible folks who stood by Reed?

Who is Reed Blankenship’s father?

Meet Troy Blankenship, Reed’s dad! And, honestly? Kind of a big deal in Reed’s life. As a designer at a 3M plant in Decatur, Alabama, he’s a big part of the story. Growing up, Reed spent time on the family farm, wrangling cattle and learning about hard work. Troy’s all about that grind, saying, “He would just go 100 percent. He just has that mindset.” Yep, that mindset really laid the groundwork for Reed’s football journey.

Now, Blankenship Sr. was instrumental in getting Reed noticed when it came time for college. Despite being a beast on the field at West Limestone High — an all-state nod, and basketball champion — the big schools overlooked him. But no worries; Troy took matters into his own hands, driving Reed to college camps to shine in front of the right people.

That hustle paid off when Reed landed a spot at Middle Tennessee State, where he went on to break the school’s tackle record. Troy recalls that proud moment when he heard Reed made the Eagles’ 53-man roster. “I got the call on my way home from work. I can’t explain it. That was the most emotional moment for me.” Talk about a heartwarming update!

Throughout Reed’s ups and downs, one thing has never changed. Troy’s pride in his son! From small-town roots to a Super Bowl spot, watching Reed thrive has been nothing short of fantastic. “We give all glory to God for Reed’s success,” Troy said.

Who is the Safety‘s mother?

Now, let’s talk about Sandra Blankenship, Reed’s mom. She’s super important in this whole equation. A retired school teacher, Sandra was Reed’s rock, always there, cheering him on through every level of his football journey. Seriously, she and Troy have hardly missed a game. “We’ve only missed one college game, and that was during the COVID season when no one could attend,” Troy mentioned, showcasing that unwavering support.

Mama Blankenship retired from teaching mainly to follow Reed’s career. She’s been in the stands through thick and thin, offering encouragement and love. “The opportunities he’s been given are a blessing,” she said, showing off her belief that Reed’s talent comes from hard work and a bit of divine help. To Reed, the values his parents instilled in him stick with him. “I’m the type of guy who never forgets where he came from,” he says.

The family farm plays a huge role in this story too. While Reed’s out there turning heads in the NFL, he still values the lessons learned from working on the farm. “Even though farming is work, it’s also fun,” Troy explained, and yeah, that life on the farm taught Reed a ton about dedication and resilience. He’s got a solid grip on what it means to work hard, which has been a game-changer for him in football.

So there you have it! Reed Blankenship’s parents are the real MVPs. They stand behind him, and their story is a fantastic reminder of how crucial family support is in reaching your dreams. From farm life to the Super Bowl, it’s just getting started for the Eagles’ player.