2026 PFN Player Profile: Braden Blackburn-NG/G-Windber

Tagged under: District 5, News, Player Previews

Cody Brady | June 9, 2026

Braden Blackburn

Windber

Class Of 2028

NG/G

Jersey #66

5’11/230

Other sports Track & Field, Powerlifting

Powerlifting Competition, Strength and Dedication, Most Improved, Academic Excellence

Twitter/X @BDB1266

Why do you play football?

I first started playing football because I didn’t want to play soccer anymore. I was bullied because I am autistic, when I was younger, and I wanted an opportunity to lift, get stronger, and prove people wrong. I play because it helps with my confidence, shows me I can do hard things, lets me prove others (including myself) wrong, helps me socialize, and brings me closer with my friends. I play football because I can lead, use my strength for good, and the younger kids look up to me (especially the ones that might not fit in).

It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most? 

Getting on the fields and showing people why I belong on the field

Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?

Shaqueil O’Neil is my favorite not because of his accomplishments, but because of his humor, what he gives back to his community, and how he uses his size and strength for good. He is an icon, everyone knows who he is, he takes time for his fans, and he seems like a genuinely kind person.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

Roy 446 Power is my favorite play because it’s my opportunity to plow through a guy and drive him back 10-15 yards at least. At Nose, the other team would have to double and triple team me, and they still couldn’t stop me from pushing them back. And I’m even stronger now.

What was last years season like for you?

Our team went through a lot due to two of the upperclassmen making very bad choices against the freshmen. They were expelled, but it cost our team a lot of negative publicity, our quarterback, and our reputation. It did, however, give me the starting position for the rest of the season, made me one of the leaders on the team, made us all mentally tough, and brought out a lot of brotherhood.

What are your goals for this coming season?

My goals include being the strongest kid in the school, be a role model for the younger players and students so they have someone to look up to, make the National Honors Society and maintain a high GPA, earn the starting positions for both offense and defense.

Who is the best player you ever lined up against?

It wasn’t from the opposing team, but from our own – Lucas Oleksa – my freshman year. We were out at camp, practicing kick-off and kick-return. Lucas came full speed for me, and the next thing I know, I’m full send through the air. He’s one of the reasons I hit the weights so hard. He is now playing football at IUP.

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?

Berlin 2025. This was my second game starting. I wasn’t as nervous as the first time, I made a few mistakes, but I adapted quickly. I recovered the ball, caused an interception; I was hyped, I had a blast. I was confident. It was just FUN.

Describe what the perfect teammate is

Someone who isn’t in it for themselves. Someone who sticks their neck out for others. Someone who is disciplined, but encourages everyone. They push their team. They give the little man someone to look up to. They show up on the hard days and the easy days. They try their hardest and inspire the others to do their best as well. They win with everyone, and they lose with everyone.

Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community

It brings everyone together in the community. All ages, genders, races and gather to watch a game and cheer on their team and their community. For 4 quarters of a game, they aren’t arguing over politics, religion, war, etc. They may argue against the refs or a play, but it’s a common argument, they connect. There’s concessions, music, a band…it’s entertaining, especially in a society when things seem so painful.

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

I would love to see a BIG MAN series of plays. I think that would be so funny. Think about it…all the linemen, as a quarterback? As a running back? Crazy! But it would be a blast!

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?

I want to be like Jesus. Not because of his Godliness, but because he was a teacher of fundamental ideals and morals. They were proven to be beneficial. He was someone who was kind and loving. He was willing to put His life before His family, friends. His kindness and lack of judgement is something everyone should keep in mind when they’re working with others.

What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?

My favorite drill is TEAM because it gives me a chance to get in contact with the people in front of me – I mean, I can HIT them…and there’s nothing the coaches can do about it.
My least favorite drill is a little thing we call “hills”. I don’t like these because…have you ever seen big men army crawl up hill halfway across the field? I have, and I do it…and it’s not pleasant.

Preseason Two a Days are:

Extreme. They’re necessary…we are pushed, we grow, we learn, but they’re exhausting

Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?

My youngest brother, Mason. We tease each other and pick, but he always has my back. He’s always concerned for my well-being. He always checks in on me. And I will always be there for him. He’s my biggest supporter.

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

My go to would have to be drawing. I have so many sketchbooks just filled with art. I put my earbuds in, listen to music, and can draw for hours. It calms me when my thoughts are racing, and it lets me get all of my emotions, thoughts, ideas out in the form of whatever I decide.

What is your favorite play to run?

Roy446Power

is a hot dog a sandwich? If not, then why?

Yes. Yes it is. And I stand on my business.

Music of choice:

Depends on my mood – I like Rock (Skillet, Metallica – that’s my pregame go to), Pop and Rap is post game no matter the outcome. I do like Classic Rock, that’s what my parents and grandpa brought me up on.

Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?

An unexpected friendship. A senior befriended me. He didn’t have the best reputation, but he was a heck of a defensive player. My mom was a teacher, and he used to give her a hard time in class. She watched him play, saw him hanging with me on the sidelines and at practice, and told him how proud she was of him. From that point on, he was my support.

Best pizza topping?

Mushrooms

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Dominican Republic

Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?

Honestly, no. I know I used to go to them with my mom when she coached Cheerleading. But I can’t tell you the first one I actually remember.

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