NM United's Blackett wants to prove he has 'more to offer'

“Everyone else is going to have their opinions and I’m not really bothered by those. It’s really proving to myself and challenging myself to get to a level I know I can get to. I wanted to get back to a team environment and be a player who can offer the team something.”

Whether Blackett does — and both he and United (2-3) are hoping that’s the case — will be more of a wait-and-see approach.

His availability for Saturday’s USL Cup match against AV Alta FC (0-2-4) is still to be determined, manager Dennis Sanchez said. Blackett spent Tuesday’s practice — United’s first coming off its bye week — in the background running through some drills and sprints.

But getting back to a club had to happen first.

So Blackett spent the better part of the last year training and then training some more. By himself. Participating in indoor games. Simply as another team’s practice player, set up through the various contacts. Anywhere he could find a place to get a session in.

It was grueling. It was a grind. It was a lot of nondescript hours. And yet, it was also worth it.

It paid off. He spent the preseason with Colorado Springs. United reached out soon afterward. Blackett seemed like the right fit to help replace the departure of Kalen Ryden, last season’s captain. And he saw United, a club that reached the Western Conference final in 2025, the same way.

“I actually have indirectly known Tyler for a long time,” Sanchez said. “I was fortunate to go on preseason (tour) a few times with Man United and I was part of the preseason that he was essentially emerging onto the first time with Man U. So in a way, I’ve been following him for years. I think you saw somebody with tremendous upside, IQ, demeanor, even at a young age.

“Full transparency, I would say (he) fell a little bit off the radar. … I think he ticks a lot of the boxes of someone we’re looking for. He can step into this group and help us reach our goals. I always prefer, especially with older players, guys with an array of experiences, whether that’s playing aboard or for different coaches and in playing styles or overcoming setbacks and adversities.”

Blackett has gone through his share. Now, he’s trying to show everyone, but really himself, that he was right.

The first chapter of his career might be over. The second is just starting.

And he’s more than comfortable with that.

“I feel like when I was younger, at some clubs, I wasn’t as embracive of the moment I’m in,” Blackett said. “So now, I’m just very much embracing the moment and trying to make this second part of my career the best part.”

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.