Former UGA star K Rodrigo Blankenship beats out Florida alum for Colts kicking job

Rodrigo will return as the Indianapolis Colts’ starting kicker.

For Georgia fans, any win over the Florida Gators is worth celebrating , even though the Bulldogs are use to being in the win column, going 3-1 over Florida in the last four years.

Former Georgia star kicker Rodrigo ‘Hot-rod’ Blankenship just got one of those wins, beating out former Florida Gator Eddy Piñeiro to win the Indianapolis Colts’ kicking duties, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Blankenship was the favorite to do so after a fantastic rookie season where he finished fifth in the NFL in field goals made (32) with an 86.5% field goal percentage and this wild game-winner versus the Packers.

Not bad for an undrafted free agent.

Sep 21, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs place kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (98) celebrates with offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (69) after a field goal against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia fans remember the Marietta, Ga., native most for his stylish goggles and some big time kicks. There is probably none bigger than this kick versus Oklahoma in the 2018 Rose Bowl, which set the historic bowl’s record for the longest field goal ever at 55-yards.

You can catch Rodrigo and the Colts in their final preseason game versus the Lions on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Rodrigo Blankenship hits game winning FG for Colts

Former Georgia football K Rodrigo Blankenship hits game winning 39-yard FG for the Colts in overtime.

It has been quite the rookie NFL season for former Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship.

After being passed on in the 2020 NFL Draft, Blankenship signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.  The Georgia legend is now starting to make a name for himself around the NFL.

Hot Rod drilled a game winning 39 yard field goal against the Packers on Sunday to secure a 34 – 31 victory in overtime.

Blankenship has been money all year, going 19/21 (90.5%) on field goals and 23/25 (92%) on extra points so far.  He leads the NFL in points scored with 94 total points.  That’s pretty good for the walk-on, undrafted free agent out of Athens.

The NFL has officially been put on notice.  It’s time to start respecting the specs.