Addictions Led To Short Career for Justin Blackmon

Published on February 21st, 2024 12:20 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Justin Blackmon was really, really good.

During his time with Oklahoma State, Blackmon won the Fred Biletnikoff Award twice, and was a 2x All-American.

Blackmon was absolutely electric during his time with Oklahoma State - 2010 was an especially good year for him, as he racked up 1,782 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

Blackmon was considered the best wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft, and the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to take him with the fifth overall pick.

Blackmon's comps were eye-popping, with many comparing him to Terrell Owens.

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Blackmon's troubles started just a few months after the 2012 NFL Draft, when he was arrested for a DUI. Blackmon promised to get things under control.

In his rookie season in the NFL, Blackmon started 14 games, compiling 865 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns - a fine start for the #5 overall pick. Blackmon flashed his talent numerous times over the course of his rookie season, and he seemed to have gotten his demons under control.

During the 2013 offseason, Blackmon suffered two big setbacks.

To start, he was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

To make matters worse, Blackmon would miss training camp and the preseason due to groin surgery.

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Despite all of that, Blackmon absolutely SCORCHED defenses when he returned to the NFL on October 6th, 2013.

In his first game back, Blackmon put up 136 receiving yards and a touchdown.

In his SECOND game back, Blackmon turned in the performance of a lifetime, catching 14 passes for 190 yards.

Blackmon had arrived.

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After his 190 yard game, Blackmon would play just two more games in his career.

On November 1st, 2013, Blackmon was suspended indefinitely without pay for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Blackmon would need to apply for reinstatement to play in the league once again.

In the summer of 2014, Blackmon was arrested for possession of marijuana. At this point, Blackmon's time with the Jaguars was over, as they expressed that they were moving on.

After being denied reinstatement for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Blackmon was arrested for another DUI in December of 2015. Blackmon would serve one year in jail for this arrest, effectively ending his NFL career.

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In total, Blackmon finished his NFL career with 1,280 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in just 20 games.

A truly wasted talent.