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Former Iowa football
player Austin Blythe had a great season with the Rams in 2018. Could a
successful 2019 lead to an 8 figure contract in 2020?
The Iowa football program has one of
the best track records at turning hard-working farm boys into NFL monsters.
Williamsburg’s very own Austin Blythe is one of those monsters.
In his time at the University of Iowa,
he was a dominant four-year starter. And during his final season as an Iowa
football player in 2015, he not only lead the Hawks to an undefeated regular
season but was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nations
most outstanding center.
After
getting drafted by the Colts in the 7th round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Blythe
battled for a roster spot and ultimately made the team, but appeared in just 8
games during his first season and recorded just one start against the
Jacksonville Jaguars. These stats weren’t good enough for new Colts GM Chris
Ballard, and on May 15th, 2017, he was cut by the Colts.
But
opportunity came knocking on the door of the Williamsburg native, and the next
day he was claimed by the Rams.
Despite
a change in scenery, Blythe still struggled to make a large impact. He played
in all 16 regular season games of the 2017 season and made one start but still,
he struggled.
Finally, in his third season, Blythe
came into his own. He started two games for the suspended Jamon Brown, and
after those two starts, he never looked back.. He would go on to finish the
season as Pro Football Focus’ 12th highest rated
guard.
7th round
picks aren’t supposed to start in the Super Bowl,
but Blythe did. After being cut once by the Colts and only starting in the 2018
season due to a suspension, Blythe has shown not just the Rams but the entire
National Football League just how much of a monster he can be.
And
the future both with the Rams and his pocketbook is looking just fine. If
during the upcoming 2019 NFL season Blythe can repeat what he did in the 2018
season, he’s due for a payday.
And with the increase in the salary cap, Blythe
could easily make 8 figures a year if the right team pays him. The future is bright for Austin
Blythe, and the NFL better be on notice, because when presented the
opportunity, the former Iowa football interior monster will embarrass you and
do it often.
