In work or in life, someone who “specializes” focuses on something specific, whether it be a certain function in the organization or a unique pursuit.
In football, specialists are the athletes who focus on the “third phase” of the game, largely punting and kicking. It requires unique talents, skills, and commitment, and is as important as the other two phases of football.
Flashback to the 2018 Rose Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Oklahoma Sooners which was an all-time classic. Many will remember Sony Michel racing into the end zone to give the Bulldogs a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory.
But in reality, the game was “won” just before halftime.
After scoring with just six seconds left in the first half to go up by 17, Oklahoma elected to squib kick on the ensuing kickoff to burn clock. But the ball didn’t travel far, and Georgia started on the Oklahoma 47. After a completed pass to the 38 and a timeout with one tick left on the clock, the Dawgs sent their “specialist” Rodrigo Blankenship into the game. He nailed a 55-yarder which still stands as the longest field goal made in Rose Bowl history spanning over 125 years.
That’s when the game was “won”, because Rodrigo’s successful kick kept the Dawgs close enough to eventually tie and win in overtime.
Rodrigo Blankenship may have a more unique name than many before him who include Butler, Leavitt, Robinson, Kasay, Bennett, and many others. But his legendary status is no doubt as strong and interesting as those who were kicking between the hedges before him.
Chatting casually with the guy who wears bold “rec-specs” glasses in competition, you’ll enjoy learning about his commitment to his team, achieving his personal goals, and his unique first pursuit of his bride. It’s a great story.
Rodrigo was a key member of the Georgia Bulldogs from 2015 to 2019. He arrived as a preferred walk-on under Coach Mark Richt, even though he had offers from other places. He chose UGA because it was a more direct, more timely path to actual playing time, and eventually earned a scholarship based on his commitment and success. Before Georgia, he first started playing “American” football in the 5th grade, but even then, was well-advanced as he played on a 6th grade squad. His first true sport was soccer, which as he describes, he started playing “as soon as he started walking”.
Football specialists are also good athletes. And Rodrigo was one of the better athletes on his squads. He was also considered one of the smartest guys too. He shared that, during middle school and high school practices, he would sometimes line up at quarterback, because that position requires you to “see the whole field” and “make quick decisions” which he could do. “I probably could have lined up a safety too, because that’s like being the ‘quarterback’ on defense where you are looking at everything.” He also would occasionally line up at wide receiver, because he was one of the fastest guys on the team.
Here’s one thing most do not know about Rodrigo. He grew up as a Gator. Yes, that despised enemy to the Georgia faithful. Why? His dad was a walk-on wide receiver for Florida. And from some of his earliest memories as a child, the Gators were on top of the college football world. Tebow was freshman. Chris Leak was the starting quarterback. The Gators were National Champions. It was easy to pull for “a winner”.
“It was natural and normal to pull for the Gators because of my dad and their current success during that time. But when I started being serious about kicking, the recruiting process opened the door to Georgia. And since that time, of course, I’ll forever be a Bulldog until I die.”
While in Athens, Rodrigo describes a very regimented, pre-scheduled “life of a college athlete”. Wake up early for study hall, then class, then lunch at “the facility” (a term used by many who played for Georgia, which is actually the Butts-Mehre Building where most football activities occur), pre-practice meetings, practice, post-practice treatments, homework, then rest. That was every day during the season. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
And when he wanted something beyond what “the facility” was serving, he loved going to local popular spots in Call-n-Titos and Grindhouse, which eventually turned into post-game gathering traditions for family and friends to celebrate a Dawgs victory.
Here’s another interesting thing about our friend “Rod the Kicker”. He’s an avid collector of something that you’d probably never guess (unless you already know) … Legos. Yes, those small plastic bricks that come in pre-packaged theme sets, or in loose quantities to allow your inner creativity come to life. Rodrigo’s interest in Legos started like most enthusiasts, when he was younger and it was his preferred toy and pastime. But that interest never wavered as the years went by, and he would still find himself wandering by the Lego section to see (and buy) one of the latest sets. He realized at some point, however, that the purpose of that longtime interest had evolved. “When I was a kid, it was more about something fun. But along the way, I realized that enjoying Legos was really a way to help me concentrate on results, which obviously is important in what I do in football.
When asked what the biggest transition after college was, Rodrigo quickly references the adjustment to “what do I do with my time?” As above, as a student-athlete, his schedule was decided and managed for him. As a college graduate, he quickly had to be very self-directed to “maximize his time for optimal performance”, such as when he needs to do more than what’s required, how he trains, following an appropriate nutritional plan, and much more. And, perhaps most importantly, taking time to “be present and have a life.”
Today, he most enjoys “being present” with his wife. “We’ve been together for 10 years starting with our first date. Our story started at Georgia, and like everything I’ve ever done, I was committed to her noticing me and maybe ‘having a chance’ to connect. In the summer of 2016, we were both on campus taking English. I walked in the first day of class and noticed this very attractive girl who caught my eye. While I was definitely interested in saying hello, I wasn’t sure when would be the right time. Then, by luck, we were assigned to peer-review each other’s first essay in the class. The conversation started. I started being more intentional to be noticed. I’d walk with her to the bus stop, even though I had my moped nearby. Then, in the last of four essays, guess what? We were ‘randomly’ assigned to peer-review each other’s work. I thought to myself that maybe this was more of a sign than pure luck, so I seized the moment. When sending her my comments via email, I also asked her out on a date. Thankfully she said yes to that and eventually to being my wife.” Romance by email may be different, but it worked well for Rodrigo and his bride.
When you’re a specialist … in football, in business, in life … you stay committed to achieving outstanding results. And that’s what’s driven Rodrigo to success. In high school as an All-American kicker. In Athens as a First Team All-SEC kicker for the Georgia Bulldogs. In the National Football League with the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And even more recently in the United Football League as the All-UFL kicker with the St. Louis Battlehawks. And perhaps most importantly, catching the eye of his future bride who eventually said yes.
Seeing and maximizing opportunities. Doing what it takes. That’s what people who are committed do for success. That’s our friend Rodrigo Blankenship.
(Rodrigo is still actively training for new opportunities to continue his professional football career. If you have NFL or UFL contacts – send them this story and tell them he’s ready … and committed.)
