The sports community is mourning the loss of former Sioux City Bandits player Nehemiah “Nemo” Blackburn, whose death was confirmed on the morning of November 5, 2025.
Family, friends, and former teammates have expressed profound grief and shared heartfelt tributes honoring his life, leadership, and legacy both on and off the field.
Blackburn’s wife, Ty Robinson, shared a deeply emotional message following Blackburn’s passing, revealing the immense pain his family is enduring.
“9:11 on November 5th will forever be a day to remember. God called one of His angels home, our beloved Nehemiah,” Robinson wrote.
“Though our hearts are broken, we trust that God makes no mistakes.” Robinson also asked for privacy and time for the family to grieve, asking for strength and comfort as they face the loss.
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Before his passing, Robinson had publicly prayed for Blackburn’s recovery, asking God to “restore his strength, body, and spirit” and to comfort his children — Nejeion, Nyonna, Drey’vn, and CJ Blackburn.
Blackburn’s teammates and coaches described him as a passionate leader, loyal friend, and fierce competitor.
The Sioux City Bandits, one of his former teams, released a statement expressing sorrow over his passing:
“It’s with a heavy heart that the Sioux City Bandits have learned that former Bandit Nehemiah ‘Nemo’ Blackburn passed away this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates, and all of Bandits Nation. Once a Bandit, always a Bandit.”
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Former teammate Ben Perry recalled Blackburn’s days at Wayne State College (WSC), calling him the embodiment of what it meant to be a Wildcat.
“He was a leader amongst young men as a young man. His energy, effort, toughness, and friendship allowed him to rise above his fellows,” Perry shared. “There was no ‘I’ with this bro — it was all team.”
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Benny Collins Jr., another teammate, remembered their bond:
“We played ball and raised kids together. He was a passionate player and great father. Rest easy, my brother — us Wildcats will be there for your family.”
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The tributes from those closest to Blackburn reflect the deep impact he had on countless lives.
His cousin Ruqaiyah Evans expressed her heartbreak, saying,
“You were a cousin but felt more like a brother. I lost another piece of my heart that could never be filled. You were a rare breed and a humble man.”
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Family friend Kodaks Cyrus thanked Blackburn for trusting him with one of his greatest blessings — his daughter, Nyonna.
“You didn’t just share your daughter with me; you shared a piece of yourself,” Cyrus wrote.
“I’ll make sure she never forgets how much you loved her.”
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Ian Brown, who called Blackburn his “brother from another,” said the news felt “unrealistic.” He added,
“For over 20 years, your character, loyalty, and friendship were unmatched.”
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Friends and teammates described Blackburn as more than just a player — he was a motivator, protector, and a symbol of unity.
Silas Seven Flu, another close friend, wrote,
“We were supposed to be old together. You protected me on and off the field. Wish I could have protected you, but now all I can do is pray for your soul. God has you now — no more pain.”
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Bradley Wright remembered Blackburn as “everybody’s hype man” and a source of energy and positivity, both in sports and in life.
“Most importantly, he was a great teammate but an even better human,” Wright wrote.
Nehemiah “Nemo” Blackburn’s passing has left a deep void among his family, friends, and the football community that loved him.
His legacy as a devoted father, dedicated athlete, and loyal friend continues to inspire those who knew him.
