LOCALS IN THE NFL
Colts Safety Julian Blackmon Seals Victory With Interception Of Bengals QB Joe Burrow
Oct 18, 2020, 2:38 PM | Updated: 2:56 pm

Julian Blackmon #32 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass intended for Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah Utes and current Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon picked off Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for a game-clinching interception.
The Colts hosted the Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday, October 18.
Cincinnati was down four points and driving in Colts territory when the rookie from Utah intercepted the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner on 3rd and 6 to clinch the game for Indianapolis.
The Colts finished the contest with a 31-27 result.
JULIAN BLACKMON CALLED GAME!!
šŗ FOX | #CINvsIND pic.twitter.com/7Vsx5flQ3r
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 18, 2020
Blackmon ended the game with a pair of tackles, one pass breakup, and an interception.
It was the former Ute safety’s second career interception and it came in only his fifth NFL game.
Not so fast. pic.twitter.com/SHGew1hSyf
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 18, 2020
Blackmon helped the Colts come back from a 21-0 first half deficit to win and improve to 4-2 on the season.
“We’re a team that can handle adversity,” Blackmon said after the win. “We can handle anything.”
How it started – š How itās going – ā¬ļø pic.twitter.com/tGVyzmmH7F
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 18, 2020
Through five games, he has recorded 10 total tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Next up for Blackmon and the Colts is a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on CBS.
Julian Blackmon at Utah
The Layton, Utah native started his college career at Utah in 2016. During his first season, he appeared in 9 games on special teams and four games on defense.
Blackmonās sophomore season in 2017 saw him start in all 13 games at cornerback. He racked up 4 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 6 pass breakups, and 48 tackles. Blackmon was named second-team All-Pac-12.
In 2018 at cornerback, Blackmon started in all 14 games while leading Utah with 10 pass breakups and 11 passes defended. He also had one interception, 48 tackles, and 4 tackles for loss which led to him being named second-team All-Pac-12.
Julian Blackmon had one FBS offer out of Layton HS. That's all he needed. Here is a look back at what he accomplished with @Utah_Football and what he brings to the @Colts @JumpManJuice23 #ColtsDraft #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/yn7I066ZFF
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) April 25, 2020
Last season in 2019 as a senior, Blackmon started in 12 games, missing the game against Idaho State and the Alamo Bowl. Blackmon had a Pac-12-best 4 interceptions along with 8 passes defended, 4 pass breakups, 60 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The former Layton star had a pick-six against BYU in the season opener. He was named an All-American and first-team All-Pac-12.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).