Former Bulldog Rodrigo Blankenship Waived By Buccaneers

A former Georgia Bulldog icon was waived today. Here is what we know so far.

Earlier this Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers elected to waive kicker Rodrigo Blankenship after signing him earlier this offseason. The kicker was returning from an injury suffered during the 2022 and was fighting to earn a spot on the team's roster.

Blankenship, better known by Georgia Bulldog fans as "Hot Rod" first rose to prominence in college at the University of Georgia. He became known for his iconic sports goggles and clutch moments in the 2018 national championship and Rose Bowl. 

After his time with the Dawgs, the kicker was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft where he played for a total of 3 seasons, completing an average of just under 84% of his kicks. He also had a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals prior to his time with the Buccaneers.

Blankenship's lone appearance with the Buccaneers came in a pre-season game against the New York Jets on August 19. A showing in which he finished just 1-3. Blankenship waiving likely indicates that kicker Chase McLaughlin will assume the starting placekicker role for the Buccaneers' 2023 season.

Other Georgia News:

• Recruiting Update: Who Could Be Next for Georgia?
• George Pickens Can Be a “Top Guy in the League,” According to Steelers QB
• Preseason All-SEC Teams Released

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