Don Blackmon

Donald Kirk Blackmon is an American former professional football player and coach in the National Football League. He played in the NFL as a linebacker with the New [England Patriots]. Most recently he was the defensive coordinator for the New [York Sentinels] of the United [Football League (2009)|United Football League].

Playing career

Blackmon was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL draft. A 6'3". 235 lbs. linebacker from the University of Tulsa, Blackmon played his entire NFL career for the Patriots. He started 72 of 89 games and recorded 541 tackles, 30.5 sacks, and five interceptions before being forced to retire after a neck injury in a game against the Raiders in 1987. He was on the Patriots' AFC title team in the 1985 season and played in Super Bowl XX against the Chicago Bears. Blackmon was a three time all-conference selection at Tulsa and has been named to the school's Hall of Fame.