Abingdon native and renowned kicking coach Doug Blevins dies
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(WJHL) – Doug Blevins, a Southwest Virginia native and coach to some of football’s greatest kickers, has died, Science Hill Athletic Director Keith Turner confirmed on Sunday.
Born with cerebral palsy, Blevins became involved with football early in his life and soon made it his profession. He became the NFL’s first disabled coach, joining the New York Jets’ staff in 1994.
Blevins also spent time as a coach in the professional ranks with the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. He also served as the kicking coordinator for the NFL Europe League from 1995-2000.
In his decades-long career, Blevins has coached and mentored professional kickers such as Adam Vinatieri, Justin Tucker, David Akers, Matt Turk, Joe Nedney and Olindo Mare.
Blevins served as the kicking specialist at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), his alma mater, for two seasons (2020-2022) under head coach Randy Sanders. News Channel 11’s former sports reporter Jesse Krull spoke with Blevins during his time with ETSU.
OUTKICKING THE COVERAGE: @ETSUFootball has leaned on special teams this season with Doug Blevins at the center of the group, but his journey goes way beyond this year. pic.twitter.com/582ZpkoZLZ
— Jesse Krull (@JesseKrullTV) December 3, 2021
Blevins most recently served as a volunteer assistant on the football staff at Science Hill High School.
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