[citation needed] An undrafted rookie for the New York Giants in 2005, Blackburn spent most of the season as a backup linebacker and special teamer.

As a result, the Giants improved their field position by 20 yards, so the penalty actually benefited the team.

In Week 13 in a game against the Green Bay Packers, Blackburn recorded an interception against Aaron Rodgers in his own end.

In the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI, Blackburn recorded an interception against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the lone turnover of the game.

[9] Blackburn played a part in Carolina's defense in 2013, complementing Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly with 33 tackles and 2 stuffs in the regular season and playoffs.

After the 2021 regular season ended, Rhule fired Blackburn from his coaching staff in January 2022.

[12] In March 2022, the Tennessee Titans announced the hiring of Blackburn as an assistant special teams coach.

[13] On February 21, 2023, Blackburn was hired as a special teams coordinator by the Los Angeles Rams.