Kory Blackwell facts for kids

Kory L. Blackwell, born on August 3, 1972, is a former American football player. He played as a cornerback for teams like the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns. Kory also played college football at the University of Massachusetts.

Kory Blackwell's College Football Journey

Kory Blackwell started his college football career at Nassau Community College. He played there for two years. During this time, he was named a Junior College All-American.

After Nassau, Kory decided to play for the University of Massachusetts. He was chosen for the All-Atlantic 10 Conference team. Even though he only played two seasons at UMass, Kory made a big impact. He finished his college career ranked sixth in school history for passes defended.

Kory Blackwell's Professional Football Career

Kory Blackwell played for several professional football teams. He started in the National Football League (NFL). He also played in NFL Europe, the XFL, and the Arena Football League.

Playing for the New York Giants

In 1997, the New York Giants signed Kory Blackwell. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent. This means he was not picked in the main player draft. He spent most of his first season on the team's practice squad. Players on the practice squad train with the team but don't usually play in games.

In 1998, Kory played in five games for the Giants. He mostly played on special teams. Special teams are groups of players used for kickoffs, punts, and field goals. He made three tackles on special teams.

During the offseason, Kory played for the Scottish Claymores. This team was part of NFL Europe. He played in 10 games for the Claymores. He had 27 tackles, 12 pass defenses, and eight special teams tackles. Kory also made three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

After his time with the Giants, the Cleveland Browns picked Kory. This happened in an expansion draft. An expansion draft is when a new team picks players from other teams. He played for the Browns mainly on special teams. He also served as a backup cornerback.

Joining the Oakland Raiders

In 2000, Kory signed with the Oakland Raiders. However, he was cut from the team during training camp. He then went back to play for the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe. That season, he recorded 29 tackles and seven interceptions.

Playing in the XFL with the Las Vegas Outlaws

In 2001, Kory was drafted by the Las Vegas Outlaws. This was for the newly formed XFL league. He was the 21st player picked in the draft. Kory started as a cornerback for the Outlaws. He had 22 tackles and three interceptions that season.

After the XFL season, Kory played in NFL Europe again. This time, he joined the Amsterdam Admirals. He made 31 tackles and two interceptions. One of his interceptions was returned for a 95-yard touchdown. This set a team record!

Brief Stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars

After his XFL and NFL Europe seasons, Kory signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was before their training camp. However, he was cut from the team during the preseason.

Playing in the Arena Football League

In 2003, Kory Blackwell became a member of the New York Dragons. This team played in the Arena Football League. This league plays football on a smaller indoor field.

Kory Blackwell's Life Outside Football

Kory Blackwell is married to Sonja Blackwell. They have three sons named Karon, Rhyjon, and Chey.

Kory used to work as a Juvenile Counselor. He helped young people at the New York City Administration for Children's Services. He worked at Crossroads Juvenile Center. Now, he is a Probation Officer for the New York City Department Of Probation.

When Kory was just 9 years old, he was in a TV commercial. He appeared with Dallas Cowboys star Herschel Walker.