Blake Gillikin's eye-popping preseason punt earns humorous 'reward'
Former Penn State football player Blake Gillikin finished his career as one of the Nittany Lions’ best punters in program history. Now, he’s carrying over that same talent to the NFL.
Most recently, Gillikin nailed an 81-yard punt in the New Orleans’ Saints last preseason game on Friday evening. Booting his attempt from the Saints’ 7-yard line, the “wind aided” punt sailed endlessly.
Finally landing at the Green Bay Packers’ 12, return man Amari Rodgers was sent spinning, helplessly watching as the ball bounced three times the rest of the way into the end zone. In the official box score, Gillikin was credited with an 81-yarder.
Sunday morning, Gillikin found the dividend of his remarkable performance. Too far ahead of NFL weekly awards, the punter instead was on the receiving end of a notice from the league offices.
As he Tweeted:
“Blake, this is (redacted) with the NFL’s drug testing. You were selected for a random in season drug test. This test will take place today, 8/21/22, at the facility. The test should be completed before team meeting at 10:00 am.”
Blake Gillikin’s Penn State influence
Gillikin has remained a presence in the Penn State football program following his progress to the NFL after the 2019 season.
Most recently, that took shape in the form of his mentorship with true freshman punter Alex Bacchetta. Hailing from the same Atlanta-area high school, Gillikin was effusive in his praise of the future Nittany Lion.
“Alex is probably the most talented high school punter I’ve ever been around,” Gillikin told BWI this spring. “He’s physically mature beyond his age and has an ideal frame already. I think the coaching staff will do a great job getting him mentally prepared to play. And I’ll be there for him to help with that too.
“I’m really excited for him and his opportunity to compete for the job as a true freshman.”
Penn State has not yet named its starting punter for the 2022 season. Veteran transfer Barney Amor was the special teams performer of the spring within the program. And, redshirt freshman Gabe Nwosu is also competing for the job.
