Todd Blackledge

Todd Blackledge is a former National Football League (NFL) quarterback and respected sports broadcaster, best known for his insightful analysis of college football. Born in Canton, Ohio, Blackledge grew up immersed in football, as his father was a college coach. He excelled as a quarterback at Penn State University, where he led the Nittany Lions to a national championship victory in 1982. That same year, Blackledge won the Davey O’Brien Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top collegiate quarterback, and earned All-American honors for his exceptional leadership and playmaking ability.

In the 1983 NFL Draft, Blackledge was selected seventh overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, part of a legendary quarterback class that included John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly. He played in the NFL for seven seasons, splitting his time between the Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. While his professional career was relatively modest compared to some of his contemporaries, Blackledge's deep understanding of the game laid the foundation for his transition to broadcasting.

After retiring from the NFL, Blackledge became a prominent college football analyst, providing expert commentary for networks like ABC, ESPN, and CBS. He joined NBC Sports in 2023 as the analyst on "Big Ten Saturday Night," the primetime Big Ten Football game broadcast. His blend of football expertise and engaging storytelling has made him a beloved figure among fans and a trusted voice in sports media.

Beyond broadcasting, Blackledge is an advocate for youth development and community service. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including coaching youth sports and supporting programs that promote education and wellness.

Blackledge received a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication from Penn State. In 2009, he was awarded Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a member of Penn State’s Board of Visitors for Penn State’s Center for Sports Journalism.