Valentino Blake

Valentino Blake

Blake with the Steelers in January 2016
No. 38, 41, 47
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1990-08-09) August 9, 1990 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:	Thurgood Marshall (Missouri City, Texas) Terry Parker (Jacksonville, Florida)
College:	UTEP
Undrafted:	2012
Career history
Jacksonville Jaguars (2012) Pittsburgh Steelers (2013–2015) Tennessee Titans (2016) New York Giants (2017)* Saskatchewan Roughriders (2019)*
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 185 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 2 Fumble recoveries: 2 Interceptions: 3 Defensive touchdowns: 1 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Antwon Valentino Blake (born August 9, 1990) is a former American football cornerback and special teamer. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and was also a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He played college football at Texas–El Paso (UTEP).

In September 2016, Blake changed his first name from Antwon to Valentino.

College career

He played college football at Texas-El Paso (UTEP) from 2008 to 2011. During his career at UTEP, Blake totaled 137 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He started every game his junior and senior years also started 1 game his sophomore season before suffering an ankle injury.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

Blake signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2012 NFL draft as a rookie free agent.

He was released on September 1, 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

On September 2, 2013, Blake was claimed on waivers by the Steelers. Blake would remain on the team over the next 3 seasons. He gathered his first interception during a Week 8, 2014 game against the Colts, picking off Andrew Luck.

In 2015, Blake became a starter. Though the Steeler pass defense was one of its worst in decades, Blake played a role. During Week 5, he picked off Philip Rivers, and ran it 70 yards for his first pick-six. He would have 2 more picks during the year, one in a Week 8 loss to the Bengals, and one against the Bengals in the Wild Card game.

Tennessee Titans

On March 17, 2016, Blake signed with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting him with former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

New York Giants

On March 20, 2017, Blake signed with the New York Giants. On August 23, 2017, the Giants placed Blake on the Reserve/Exempt list after leaving practice. He was released on September 2, 2017.

On September 5, 2017, Blake announced his retirement from the NFL.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Blake was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on January 30, 2019.

NFL career statistics

Legend
Bold	Career high

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2012	JAX	16	0	12	10	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
2013	PIT	14	0	11	8	3	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2014	PIT	16	1	43	38	5	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	6	1	1	0	0
2015	PIT	16	16	77	65	12	1.0	5	2	112	1	70	11	1	0	0	0
2016	TEN	16	1	42	35	7	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	5	0	0	0	0
		78	18	185	156	29	1.0	6	3	112	1	70	22	2	2	0	0

Playoffs

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2014	PIT	1	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2015	PIT	2	2	2	2	0	0.0	0	1	35	0	35	1	0	0	0	0
		3	2	2	2	0	0.0	0	1	35	0	35	1	0	0	0	0

External links

• UTEP Miners bio
• Jacksonville Jaguars bio