Al Blades Jr.

Al Blades Jr. is an American professional football [Safety (gridiron American football|football position)|safety]. He played college football at Miami and Duke.

Early life

Blades Jr attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He committed to the University of Miami to play college football.

College career

Miami

As a true freshman in 2018, Blades Jr. recorded 13 tackles in 13 games. He played mainly on special teams.
In 2019, Blades Jr. recorded 36 tackles and 2 interceptions in 13 games in which he started 7 of those.
In 2020, he recorded 29 tackles and two interceptions. At the end of the season, Blades Jr. was diagnosed with myocarditis.

Duke

On December 12, 2022, Blades had announced that he was transferring to the Duke Blue Devils.

Professional career

Blades signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024. He was waived on August 27.

Personal life

Blades is the son of the late American football safety Al Blades. He is the nephew of former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brian Blades and former Detroit Lions safety Bennie Blades, and cousin of H. B. Blades, who played four seasons for the Washington Redskins in the NFL.