Are Reed and Rodrigo Blankenship related?

Are NFL Kickers Reed and Rodrigo Blankenship Related?

In the world of professional football, it's not uncommon for players with similar or even identical surnames to share the field. However, despite their shared last name, NFL kickers Reed Blankenship and Rodrigo Blankenship are not related, according to sportswriter Rodger Sherman.

The coincidental sharing of the Blankenship surname between two notable athletes has sparked curiosity among fans and media alike. However, Sherman's confirmation quells any speculation about a family connection between the two players.

The existence of multiple unrelated Blankenship families provides the explanation for this shared name in the sports world. The Blankenship surname has Dutch origins, deriving from the Dutch-German surname "Blankenship" or "Blanckensee," meaning "white marsh" or "white lake." Over time, the name spread to England and Scotland before being brought to North America by European immigrants.

Reed Blankenship, the kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles, hails from Flowery Branch, Georgia. Rodrigo Blankenship, on the other hand, is from Marietta, Georgia, and currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts. Despite their geographical proximity, they have no known familial ties.

The lack of a familial relationship between Reed and Rodrigo Blankenship highlights the diversity of the American sporting landscape and the prevalence of common surnames among players from different backgrounds. While shared names may occasionally lead to speculation about kinship, it is ultimately the players' individual talent and achievements that define their place in the world of professional football.