A left-half, he made over 250 appearances in the Football League during his career and won one cap for England in May 1924.
Blackburn was born in Willesden and lived in Sandringham Road as a child, attending Pound Lane School.
He signed for Aston Villa as an amateur in December 1920 and went on to play over 100 games, including their 2–0 defeat to Newcastle United in the 1924 FA Cup Final.
[1] One month later, on 17 May 1924, Blackburn made his one and only appearance for England in a 3–1 victory over France at Stade Pershing.
[6] After his retirement, Blackburn became a trainer at Birmingham City during the Second World War and was handed control of the first team training duties by secretary-manager Bill Camkin toward the end of his spell in charge.