Football <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like that\u2019s exactly how I approached the offseason\u2014just humbly,\u201d Blackmon said after practice. \u201cBecause something that\u2019s given to you can be just as quickly taken away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackmon\u2019s 2025 season came to a disappointing end in the Saints\u2019 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\u2019t until the following day that the severity of the injury became clear, ultimately landing him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
Looking back, Blackmon said the setback was a reality check of just how quickly things can change in the NFL.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, obviously, my career has been trials and errors. A lot of hardships, but at the same time, a lot of gratitude,\u201d he said. \u201cSo just being out there with my guys again, remembering what it feels like to be in pads again, it\u2019s a blessing. That\u2019s how I approached the offseason and how I approach the season coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although his regular season lasted just one game, Blackmon believes he left enough of an impression during last year\u2019s training camp to earn the coaching staff\u2019s confidence heading into 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like I was doing really well in training camp last year,\u201d Blackmon said. \u201cThe 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\u2019d benefit the whole team.\u201d<\/p>\n
That confidence has only fueled his excitement entering his second year in The Big Easy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe like to say, \u2018Together we eat,\u2019 and I\u2019m excited for my opportunity this year because I feel like we can do that with me on the field,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Blackmon is also optimistic about what the Saints\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a possibility,\u201d Blackmon said when asked if he and Reid can become one of the league\u2019s top safety duos. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackmon added that communication has been one of the biggest reasons for their growing chemistry during their time in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s 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,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s something that I don\u2019t see too out of reach for us to go for.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll finally get the player they signed a year ago.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n