Where in the world is Chase Blackburn?

Lost in the mess involving Osi Umenyiora, Kevin Boss, Plaxico Burress, and Ahmad Bradshaw was one player who represented the heart and soul of the New York Giants. This player is special teams captain Chase Blackburn.

Chase Blackburn, a Giant since 2005, was elected special teams captain in 2010 after leading all Giants special teamers in tackles. Whenever Larry Tynes kicked off to start a game, you could count on Blackburn running full speed to try and force a fumble. If Blackburn did not have this work ethic, he would most likely be in the CFL rather than the NFL.

Undrafted from the University of Akron, Jerry Reese and company gave Blackburn a shot to prove himself to all the critics. He did not let down after filling in admirably for Antonio Pierce towards the end of the 2005 season.

Turn the clock forward 6 years, and Chase Blackburn is a free agent with no home. The Giants are known to be the least cut-throat of all the NFL franchises and have the most “family like” feel. If this is the case then why is Blackburn, a favorite of the players, not currently on the roster. In fact Blackburn is nowhere to be seen. No rumors, rumblings, interviews, etc.

Blackburn may seem like just a blip on the radar to a normal Giants fan, but diehard fans know that he brought it every night. Blackburn could have been an excellent mentor to Mark Herzlich — another undrafted free agent out to prove the naysayers wrong.

One would guess that Blackburn latches on with a team before the start of training camp, but if not, he can leave the game knowing he was a Super Bowl champion, a captain, and a true leader.