11 Facts About Bennie Blades

Bennie Blades played a big part in the University of Miami's winning the 1987 NCAA National Championship.

Bennie Blades won the Jim Thorpe Award in that year and, in 2006, was named to the College Football Hall of Fame for his play with the Miami Hurricanes.

Bennie Blades was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary The U, which premiered December 12,2009 on ESPN.

Bennie Blades played for the Detroit Lions from 1988 to 1996 and the 1997 season with the Seattle Seahawks, teaming up with his older brother, wide receiver Brian Blades, who played collegiate football at the University of Miami.

Bennie Blades is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Lions' history.

Bennie Blades was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1991 - in addition to receiving First-team All-NFL and First-team All-NFC honors.

Bennie Blades was the Lions' Defensive MVP in 1992 and led the team with 78 tackles in 1996.

Bennie Blades had two 100-tackle seasons in is first two seasons in Detroit.

An underrated professional player, Bennie Blades was a key component to the Lions' defense that helped the team claim two NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship game.

Bennie Blades was a defensive captain for five years in Detroit and his 815 career tackles place him second on the Lions' all-time list.

On September 25,2015, Bennie Blades was inducted into GridIron Greats.