Justin Blackmon was a ghost for a long time. People in Jacksonville and Stillwater would swap stories like they were talking about a local legend who just walked into the woods and never came back. One minute he’s catching 14 passes for 190 yards against the Denver Broncos, looking like the best receiver on the planet, and the next, he’s gone. It’s been over a decade since he played an NFL snap.
So, what is Justin Blackmon doing now?
Honestly, the answer is a mix of high-profile honors and deeply personal struggles that continue to make headlines. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Blackmon re-emerged in the public eye, but not for a comeback on the field. Instead, he’s been oscillating between being celebrated as one of the greatest college players ever and dealing with the same demons that derailed his pro career in the first place.
The College Hall of Fame and the Ring of Honor
If you want to understand why people still care about Blackmon in 2026, you have to look at his college stats. They’re basically video game numbers. He’s one of only two players to ever win the Biletnikoff Award twice. That’s why, in 2024, he was officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
It was a huge moment. For a guy who had spent years flying under the radar in Ardmore, Oklahoma, it was a rare public acknowledgement of his greatness. But the honors didn’t stop there. On November 15, 2025, Oklahoma State University finally added him to the Cowboy Football Ring of Honor inside Boone Pickens Stadium.
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He joined the likes of Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas. Standing on that field during the Kansas State game, Blackmon looked different—older, heavier, but still carrying that aura of the guy who used to make elite DBs look like they were running in sand. It felt like a full-circle moment, but it came on the heels of some pretty rough news.
The April 2025 Arrest: A Harsh Reality Check
Just months before he was set to be honored by his alma mater, Blackmon had another run-in with the law. In April 2025, he was arrested on the Oklahoma State campus for public intoxication.
The details were tough to read.
According to police reports, student employees found a "larger male" lying on the ground near the campus library at 1:30 in the morning. When officers caught up with him inside a nearby building, it was Blackmon. He was slurred, unsteady, and reportedly told the cops he was "trying to walk home"—which was weird, because home was Ardmore, about a two-hour drive away.
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One of the most striking things about the arrest was the body cam footage. The arresting officer actually spent a few minutes talking to Blackmon about Oklahoma State football history while they waited for a larger transport vehicle. Apparently, Blackmon was too big to fit comfortably in the back of a standard patrol car. It was a surreal scene: a legend being educated on his own legacy while in handcuffs.
Why the NFL Never Reinstated Him
You might wonder why he never just "cleaned up" and came back. The Jaguars actually kept him on their roster for years. They didn't want to give up on the talent.
But the NFL is a business with very strict gates. Blackmon applied for reinstatement back in 2015 and was flat-out denied. After that, the trail went cold. Former Jaguars GM David Caldwell once noted that when you're away from the game for two or three years, your skills erode. By the time 2026 rolled around, Blackmon was 36 years old. The window didn't just close; it was bricked over.
His career is one of the biggest "what-ifs" in sports history.
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- 20 career games
- 93 receptions
- 1,280 yards
That’s basically one good season spread over two years. Yet, those who saw him play know he was special. He had this way of attacking the ball in the air that you just can't teach.
Life in Oklahoma and the Road Ahead
These days, Blackmon lives a relatively quiet life in Oklahoma, interspersed with these occasional public bursts of either fame or misfortune. He’s not on social media. He doesn't do "where are they now" podcast tours. He’s a private person dealing with a very public past.
The tragedy of Justin Blackmon isn't just about the missed touchdowns or the lost millions. It's the reality of addiction. Even with the support of a university that loves him and a fan base that still wears his jersey, the struggle is daily.
People often ask if he’s broke. While his $18 million rookie contract was partially clawed back and he lost out on massive earnings due to suspensions, he’s not exactly a "cautionary tale" in the financial sense—more so in the human sense. He represents the fine line between immortality on a stadium wall and the vulnerability of a man walking home in the dark.
Actionable Takeaways from the Blackmon Story
If you're following Blackmon's journey or looking for lessons in his trajectory, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Separate the Talent from the Struggle: It’s possible to celebrate Blackmon’s 2010-2011 seasons as some of the best football ever played while acknowledging his off-field issues.
- The Importance of Support Systems: His induction into the Ring of Honor in 2025 shows that Oklahoma State hasn't turned its back on him, which is a crucial element for anyone facing long-term recovery.
- Watch for 2026 Honors: Keep an eye on regional Oklahoma sports awards; as he settles into his mid-30s, there’s a push to keep him involved in the community in a positive way.
Justin Blackmon’s story isn't over. It’s just moved from the sports page to the human interest section. He’s a Hall of Famer, a Ring of Honor member, and a man still trying to find his footing.