Blake Whittfield Ferguson Bio
Blake Whittfield Ferguson is an American professional football long snapper who most recently played for the Houston Texans in the National Football League. Born on April 21, 1997, in Smyrna, Georgia, Ferguson established himself as one of the top long snappers in college football at Louisiana State University before being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, Ferguson has been recognized for his consistency and reliability as a specialist, earning a starting role as a rookie and securing a multi-year contract extension. He comes from a football family, with his older brother Reid Ferguson also serving as a long snapper in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills.
Early Life and Background
Ferguson grew up in Smyrna, Georgia, where he attended Buford High School. During his high school career, he developed a reputation as an exceptional long snapper, earning recognition as the number one long snapper nationally according to both Scout and 247Sports. His performance on the field helped lead the Buford Wolves to three state championships during his prep years. Despite his specialized skills, he received a two-star prospect rating from major recruiting services including Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports, and Scout.
His standout performances earned him an invitation to the Army All-American Game, one of the premier high school all-star events in the country. In both his junior and senior seasons, Ferguson was awarded the Chris Rubio Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top high school long snapper. This recognition solidified his status as the top prospect at his position nationally and attracted attention from college programs across the country.
Path to the NFL
After completing his decorated high school career, Ferguson chose to continue his football journey at Louisiana State University. He played for the LSU Tigers from 2015 to 2019, appearing in 52 games as the team’s primary long snapper. His consistent performance and leadership qualities earned him the role of team captain for two consecutive seasons. During his senior year in 2019, Ferguson played a key role in the Tigers’ championship run that culminated in a College Football Playoff national championship.
Following his successful college career, Ferguson entered the 2020 NFL Draft. His reputation as a polished and reliable long snapper made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking consistency at the specialist position. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the sixth round with the 185th overall pick, recognizing his potential to contribute immediately at the professional level.
Blake Whittfield Ferguson Career
Miami Dolphins (2020–2024)
Ferguson signed his four-year rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins on May 10, 2020. The organization showed immediate confidence in his abilities by naming him the team’s starting long snapper as a rookie. Throughout his debut season, he demonstrated the reliability and consistency that had characterized his college career, quickly earning the trust of the coaching staff and special teams coordinator.
His performance over four seasons with the Dolphins proved his value as a dependable specialist. He appeared in 72 career games with the team, accumulating eight tackles on special teams coverage. The Dolphins rewarded his contributions by signing him to a three-year contract extension on September 6, 2023, securing his services through the 2026 season. His tenure with Miami represented a successful partnership between player and organization.
Houston Texans (2025)
On May 8, 2025, the Miami Dolphins released Ferguson, bringing an end to his five-year tenure with the team. He found a new opportunity shortly thereafter, signing with the Houston Texans on August 20, 2025. However, his time with the Texans proved brief, as he was released on August 26 during the team’s final roster cuts as they prepared for the regular season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ferguson has built his professional reputation on consistency and precision. As a long snapper, his primary responsibilities include delivering accurate snaps to the punter and holder on punts and field goal attempts, respectively. His clean mechanics and repeatable technique have minimized errors throughout his career, traits that stem from years of dedicated development since his high school days. His experience as a two-time captain at LSU demonstrated his leadership abilities and accountability, qualities that translate to the disciplined approach required of NFL specialists.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of Ferguson’s career came during his time at LSU, where he contributed to the Tigers’ national championship team in 2019. The opportunity to play in and win a College Football Playoff championship at a program with LSU’s storied football tradition represents his most significant achievement at any level. Being selected in the NFL Draft itself marked a milestone, as long snappers rarely hear their names called during the seven-round selection process, making his sixth-round selection a testament to his specialized skills.
Blake Whittfield Ferguson Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Ferguson comes from a football family with deep roots in the sport. His parents are Tracy and Kevin Ferguson. More notably, he is the younger brother of Reid Ferguson, who has also built a professional career as a long snapper in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. The Ferguson brothers represent one of the rare instances of siblings holding the same specialized position at the highest level of American football. This family connection has provided Blake with a unique understanding of the demands and opportunities within the long-snapping profession from an early age.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Ferguson has faced personal challenges with type 1 diabetes, a condition he has managed throughout his athletic career. His ability to maintain peak physical performance while managing this health condition demonstrates his discipline and resilience. In July 2024, Ferguson married Abbey Hale. He maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his career and personal life with his followers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Ferguson following his departure from Miami. After five seasons with the Dolphins, he joined the Houston Texans during training camp in August. The move presented an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a different organization and contribute to a new special teams unit. However, Ferguson was released on August 26 as part of the Texans’ final roster reductions, ending his brief tenure with the team before the regular season began.
Following his release from Houston, Ferguson entered free agency seeking another opportunity in the NFL. The 2025 season thus represents a period of adjustment and exploration for the veteran long snapper as he continues his professional career. Teams across the league continuously evaluate specialists throughout the season, and Ferguson’s proven track record of reliability provides him with a strong foundation for finding future opportunities in the league.