Former NFL, Oklahoma State Kicker Cary Blanchard Dies at Age 47

Cary Blanchard, who played for five NFL franchises after an illustrious career at Oklahoma State, died Tuesday of unknown causes.

A statement released by Oklahoma State University categorized the death as sudden. Mindi Blanchard, Cary's ex-wife, confirmed his death saying she believes he died of a heart attack, per CBS New York. An autopsy to determine the cause of death has not yet been performed.

“Cary was a family man who loved his children and his family more than anything,” Mindi said.

A three-time All-Big Eight selection, Blanchard was perhaps the greatest kicker in Oklahoma State history. He ranks among the school leaders in points scored, field goals made and PATs made. 

Blanchard went on to play eight seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the New York Jets before stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. He was a first-team All-Pro in 1996, coming as part of an excellent season with the Colts.

Colts owner Jim Irsay offered his thoughts on Blanchard:

For his career, Blanchard made 165 of 214 field-goal attempts. He hit 36 of 40 attempts during his All-Pro campaign and led the NFL a year later with 41 field-goal attempts. After leaving Indianapolis following the 1997 season, Blanchard bounced around to three teams in as many years before leaving football in 2000.

Blanchard is survived by Mindi Blanchard, his son Blake, Blake's wife, Tia, his daughter Bayli and his son Braeden.

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