Jerry Blanton

Football, public service, firsts and family are five words that describe Jerry Blanton’s life.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Blanton attended DeVilbiss High School, where he stood out as both a fullback and linebacker. His high school later honored him by inducting him into its Hall of Fame.

Spurning offers from more prominent football powers, Blanton chose to play college football for the Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Fran Curci. He became the first true freshman to start a varsity football game at Kentucky in 1974 and helped lead the Wildcats’ defense during one of the strongest periods in program history. Blanton’s time at Kentucky included a SEC Championship and Peach Bowl victory in 1976, breaking a 25-year bowl game absence for the Wildcats.

Despite being considered undersized for a Southeastern Conference linebacker, he built a reputation through his toughness and consistency. Over four seasons, he recorded 389 tackles, which still ranks among Kentucky’s top career totals.

In the 1978 NFL Draft, Blanton was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 11th round. After narrowly missing the final roster cut, he signed with the Chiefs in 1979 where he spent his entire NFL career.

Blanton became the Chiefs’ starting inside linebacker in 1980, earning recognition as one of the team’s most dependable defenders and special teams players. His finest professional season came in 1983, when he recorded a career-high 136 tackles to lead the team, including an impressive 45 tackles over a three-game span. During that stretch, he posted a career-high 17 tackles on Monday Night Football against San Diego, followed by 12 tackles the next week at Washington and 16 more the following Sunday at Miami.

After competing in 92 NFL games Blanton retired from professional football in 1985. He then transitioned into public service and administration, working as a criminal investigator with the Jackson County (Kansas City) Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Blanton later served as Deputy Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks after being appointed to that position by Governor Ernie Fletcher in 2003. Blanton became the highest-ranking African American in the department’s history, overseeing more than 52 state parks and 17 resorts. He continues to serve others and is currently the Associate Director of the Student Union at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Jerry Blanton’s football legacy continues through his son, Kendall Blanton, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.

Biography by Lily DeLong.
Photo furnished by Jerry Blanton.