Chase Blackburn

Chase Blackburn (born June 10, 1983) is an American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football for Akron.

Early years
Blackburn attended Marysville High School in Marysville, Ohio and was a letterman in football and basketball. In football, as a senior, he led his team to a 13–1 record and the 2001 Ohio High School Football Division II State Seminifinals. He finished with 320 career tackles.

College career
Blackburn was a three-year starter the University of Akron, playing both at linebacker and defensive end and started 34 of 45 games in which he played. He finished his college career with 293 tackles (179 solo), 11 sacks, 38.5 tackles for losses and three interceptions. He started all 11 games as a senior and finished with 71 tackles (41 solo), 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for losses playing the "bandit" – a hybrid between the linebacker and defensive end positions. He was named All-MAC linebacker as a junior.

Pre-draft
Blackburn measured 6'3" and 245 pounds. At the Akron Pro Day, Blackburn ran a 4.69 40-yard dash.

New York Giants
An undrafted rookie for the New York Giants in 2005, Blackburn spent most of the season as a backup linebacker and special teamer.

In Super Bowl XLII Blackburn had a costly penalty on a punt return as he was the extra man on the field on a 12-man-on-the-field penalty. After the play, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick challenged the play that the Giants had 12 men on the field and won. The penalty resulted in a first down, but the Patriots did not score on that drive after a failed 4th down conversion. As a result, the Giants improved their field position by 20 yards, so the penalty actually benefited the team. The Giants went on to win the game.

For 2010, he was elected as a team captain by his teammates, representing special teams. After the season, he became an unrestricted free agent. He was re-signed on November 29, 2011. In Week 13 in a game against the Packers, Blackburn recorded an interception against Aaron Rodgers in his own end. In the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI, Blackburn recorded an interception against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the lone turnover of the game. The play was vital to winning the Super Bowl. He also had six tackles.

Personal life
Blackburn is married to his wife, Megan. He graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in mathematics. Chase has been living in New Jersey and has a house just 30 minutes from Metlife Stadium.