Blackburn started his career at Hampstead Town, now known as Hendon. He signed for Aston Villa as an amateur in December 1920 and went on to play over 100 games, including their 2–0 defeat to Newcastle United in the 1924 FA Cup Final. He left Villa in June 1926 in a swap deal which saw Joe Nicholson join Villa and Blackburn join Cardiff City. He made his debut for Cardiff in a 4–3 defeat to Burnley and went on to establish himself in the side, although he was not included in the squad when the side won the FA Cup in 1927. His only goal for the club came in February 1930 when he scored against Blackpool during a 4–2 win. He left the club in 1931, along with Harry Wake, to join Mansfield Town. He later went to play and coach Cheltenham Town