Jerry Blanton, Ermal Allen Named to Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame
Two former University of Kentucky football players – defensive tackle Jerry Blanton (1974-77) and quarterback Ermal Allen (1939-41) – have been named to the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, the nation’s lone state-specific pro football hall of fame.
The Class of 2026 inductees will be honored Friday, June 26, when they receive their Hall of Fame jackets from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, followed by the Purple Jacket Awards Dinner at the Hilton Lexington Downtown. The event is open to the public. Ticket information will be available here: kyprofootballhof.org.
Jerry Blanton, a Toledo, Ohio, native, became the first true freshman to start a varsity football game at Kentucky and later anchored a defense that captured the 1976 Southeastern Conference Championship. He also was named to the 1977 All-SEC Second Team by the Associated Press, helping lead the team to a 10-1 record, and concluded his college career with 389 tackles.
He was selected in the 11th round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills but narrowly missed making the roster, finishing as the final cut of training camp. He was signed the following season by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he went on to spend his entire seven-year NFL career. Blanton earned a starting role as inside linebacker in 1980 and emerged as a defensive leader, leading the Chiefs with 136 tackles in 1983.
Following his playing career, Blanton built a distinguished career in public service and business. In 2003 he accepted Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher’s invitation to become Deputy Commissioner of the state’s Department of Parks. Blanton became the highest-ranking African American in the department’s history.
Ermal Allen, a Morristown, Tennessee, native, who lettered for three years at quarterback from 1939-41, guided UK to three consecutive winning seasons. He was a rare and talented multi-sport standout at Kentucky, lettering in football, basketball, golf, and track before serving four years in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Following military service, Allen came to Kentucky in 1946 as an assistant coach before playing professionally with the Cleveland Browns in 1947. He returned to UK in 1948 to be an assistant coach until 1961. His assignments included offensive backs coach, head coach of the freshman team, and defensive coordinator. During Allen’s time as an assistant, the Wildcats racked up 12 winning seasons.
Following his success at Kentucky, Allen spent 22 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (1962-83) as an assistant coach and Director of Research and Development. During that time, the Cowboys incorporated computerized analysis into player assessment, which was innovative for the NFL during that era, making Allen one of the early contributors to the use of analytics and technology in personnel operations. He made five trips to the Super Bowl during his tenure with Dallas. Allen, who is in the UK Athletics Hall of Fame and has a retired jersey, died in 1988.
About The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame
Founded in 2003, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame honors players, coaches and contributors with Kentucky ties who have made a lasting impact on professional football. With 115 inductees and five additional members joining in 2026, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame continues to recognize NFL legends and pioneering figures whose careers reflect excellence, dedication and passion for the game.
The mission of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame is to celebrate Kentucky’s football legends while supporting the Commonwealth’s children and young people. Since its inception, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame has raised more than $1 million for youth and children’s charities. The Foster Care Council of Kentucky is the organization’s current beneficiary.
For more information on the UK football team, visit ukathletics.com/football and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and “X,” formerly Twitter.
