Josh Blackwell Bio
Josh Blackwell (born April 5, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Duke Blue Devils before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent. After a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Blackwell has developed into a reliable special teams contributor and rotational defensive back for the Bears.
Early Life and Background
Josh Blackwell was born on April 5, 1999, in Buford, Georgia, USA. He grew up in the Buford area and attended Buford High School, where he played high school football and developed into a competitive defensive back prospect. His time in Buford laid the foundation for his eventual move into college-level competition.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 181 pounds, Blackwell entered the college recruitment process with a reputation for quickness and coverage instincts. He eventually committed to Duke University, where he would spend the next five years balancing academics and athletic development.
Path to American Football
Blackwell enrolled at Duke University in 2017 and played college football for the Duke Blue Devils through the 2021 season. He worked his way through the Blue Devils’ defensive back rotation, contributing on coverage units and developing the technical skills that would later define his professional profile.
After completing his senior season, Blackwell declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. When no team selected him, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career. His transition from Atlantic Coast Conference competition to the NFL was swift, and he entered the league focused on earning a roster spot through special teams play.
Josh Blackwell Career
Early Career (2022)
Josh Blackwell signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent the 2022 preseason working to earn a roster spot, but was waived on August 30, 2022, as part of the Eagles’ final roster cuts. The transaction was a brief setback, but it provided him an immediate opportunity elsewhere.
On August 31, 2022, Blackwell was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears, where he would establish his professional identity. His first year with the Bears was primarily spent adjusting to the speed of the NFL and contributing on special teams units.
Chicago Bears Era (2022–Present)
Blackwell’s tenure with the Chicago Bears began in 2022, and he was placed on injured reserve on January 4, 2023, after appearing in limited action during his debut campaign. He entered the 2023 season as a backup cornerback and suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3, which sent him to injured reserve on September 29, 2023. He was activated on November 9, 2023, and finished the season contributing primarily on special teams.
The 2024 season marked a turning point in Blackwell’s career. Although he was occasionally tasked with returning punts, his defining moment came in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers, when he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 94-yard punt return. The play gave the Bears an early 7–0 lead, and Chicago went on to win 24–22. For his efforts, Blackwell was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
In 2025, Blackwell continued to build on his special teams reputation. On March 6, 2025, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Bears, signaling the organization’s confidence in his role. In Week 4 of the 2025 season, he blocked a game-winning field goal attempt to preserve the Bears’ 25–24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, further cementing his value in the kicking game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Blackwell’s professional value stems from his speed, field awareness, and willingness to contribute in coverage and return situations. As a cornerback, he has shown the ability to handle slot and outside assignments in a reserve role, while his instincts on special teams have produced some of the most memorable plays of his young career. His punt-return touchdown and game-winning blocked field goal highlight a player who thrives in high-pressure moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Blackwell’s most notable achievements is his 94-yard punt return touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 season finale, his first NFL touchdown. He was also recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week following that performance. Earlier in 2025, his blocked field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders preserved a one-point Bears victory and underscored his growing impact.
Josh Blackwell Career Wins
Josh Blackwell’s professional resume is defined less by traditional win totals and more by signature plays on special teams. His contributions to Chicago Bears victories include a 94-yard punt return touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in 2024 and a blocked game-winning field goal attempt versus the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
Chicago Bears Highlights
Since joining the Bears in 2022, Blackwell has become a key special teams contributor. His most recent standout moment came in Week 4 of the 2025 season, when his blocked field goal preserved a 25–24 victory over the Raiders. Earlier, his 94-yard punt return touchdown in the 2024 finale against Green Bay remains the most celebrated play of his career to date.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Bears tenure, Blackwell briefly spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 preseason, an experience that helped launch his professional path. He has not recorded additional major individual awards, but his consistent special teams impact has positioned him as a trusted piece of the Bears’ roster.
Josh Blackwell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Josh Blackwell’s family background is limited. He was raised in Buford, Georgia, and developed his football foundation in that community before moving on to Duke University.
Personal Life
Josh Blackwell keeps his personal life largely private, and few public details about his relationships or family beyond his Buford upbringing are available. His focus since 2022 has been on establishing himself within the Chicago Bears organization and continuing his growth as an NFL cornerback and special teams player.
2025 Season Performance
Josh Blackwell entered the 2025 season with renewed job security after signing a two-year contract extension with the Bears on March 6, 2025. The deal reflected the organization’s belief in his continued growth as a special teams ace and reserve cornerback. His early-season contributions have already justified that investment.
In Week 4 of the 2025 season, Blackwell blocked a game-winning field goal attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders, preserving a 25–24 Bears victory. The play was the latest in a series of special teams highlights, following his 94-yard punt return touchdown from the 2024 season finale against the Green Bay Packers. These moments have helped define his identity within the Chicago roster.
With the Bears in the middle of a competitive 2025 campaign, Blackwell’s role on coverage units and as a situational returner is expected to remain central. His combination of speed, instincts, and big-play ability gives Chicago a reliable weapon in the third phase of the game, and his contract extension ensures he will be part of the team’s plans through at least the 2026 season.