Marquise Blair: Seahawks Safety and Rising Star

Early Life and College Career

Marquise Damond Blair was born on July 18, 1997, in Hoover, Alabama. He attended Hoover High School, where he excelled as a football player, earning All-State honors as a safety.

Blair continued his football career at the University of Utah, where he played for the Utes from 2016 to 2018. During his time at Utah, Blair became a standout defensive back, starting 34 games and recording 156 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.

NFL Career and Statistics

Blair was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round (47th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He quickly became a contributor to the Seahawks' defense, starting 13 games as a rookie.

In his sophomore season, Blair had a breakout year, starting 16 games and recording 91 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, making him the first Seahawks safety to earn that honor since Kam Chancellor in 2015.

As of the 2023 season, Blair has started 42 games for the Seahawks, recording 179 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 19 passes defended.

Injury and Recovery

Blair suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 of the 2022 season, requiring surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Despite the setback, Blair worked diligently to rehabilitate his knee and is expected to be ready for the 2023 season.

Key Attributes

Blair is known for his combination of physicality, athleticism, and instincts. He is a strong tackler with good coverage skills, making him a versatile defensive back.

• Physicality: Blair is a hard-hitting safety who is not afraid to lay the wood.
• Athleticism: Blair has excellent speed, agility, and leaping ability.
• Instincts: Blair has a keen eye for the football and is often able to make plays before the opposition.

Future Prospects

At just 25 years old, Blair is entering his prime as an NFL player. He is a key part of the Seahawks' young and talented defense, and he is poised for continued success in the seasons to come.