Football
After signing with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent last offseason, veteran safety Julian Blackmon appeared in just one game before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remaining 16 games. Now healthy, Blackmon says the experience has changed the way he approaches football.
“I feel like that’s exactly how I approached the offseason—just humbly,” Blackmon said after practice. “Because something that’s given to you can be just as quickly taken away.”
Blackmon’s 2025 season came to a disappointing end in the Saints’ season opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Despite suffering what was later diagnosed as a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder, he finished the game, playing every defensive snap while recording seven tackles and a pass breakup. It wasn’t until the following day that the severity of the injury became clear, ultimately landing him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Looking back, Blackmon said the setback was a reality check of just how quickly things can change in the NFL.
“For me, obviously, my career has been trials and errors. A lot of hardships, but at the same time, a lot of gratitude,” he said. “So just being out there with my guys again, remembering what it feels like to be in pads again, it’s a blessing. That’s how I approached the offseason and how I approach the season coming up.”
Although his regular season lasted just one game, Blackmon believes he left enough of an impression during last year’s training camp to earn the coaching staff’s confidence heading into 2026.
“I felt like I was doing really well in training camp last year,” Blackmon said. “The coaches felt like I did enough and they saw enough to know that if I came back and was able to get a full season, things would be really good. It’d benefit the whole team.”
That confidence has only fueled his excitement entering his second year in The Big Easy.
“We like to say, ‘Together we eat,’ and I’m excited for my opportunity this year because I feel like we can do that with me on the field,” he said.
Blackmon is also optimistic about what the Saints’ safety tandem can become alongside veteran Justin Reid. With both players entering their second season under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Blackmon believes their familiarity with the system has put them in position to take a significant step forward.
“It’s a possibility,” Blackmon said when asked if he and Reid can become one of the league’s top safety duos. “I feel like both of us have a good understanding of what we want to get done. Year two under Staley helps a lot. We feel a lot more comfortable.”
Blackmon added that communication has been one of the biggest reasons for their growing chemistry during their time in New Orleans.
“There’s a lot of different caveats that we have in each coverage, but because we are very communicative with each other, it makes it a lot easier,” he said. “That’s something that I don’t see too out of reach for us to go for.”
After losing almost an entire season to injury, Blackmon is no longer taking the opportunity to play for granted. If he can stay healthy, the Saints believe they’ll finally get the player they signed a year ago.
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