Blake Robert Grupe Bio
Blake Robert Grupe is an American professional football placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Born in Sedalia, Missouri, Grupe played college football at Arkansas State University and the University of Notre Dame before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He initially signed with the New Orleans Saints and later joined the Colts, where he set the franchise record for the longest field goal made. Grupe has earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors twice during his collegiate career and has established himself as a reliable touchback specialist in NFL competition.
Early Life and Background
Blake Grupe was born on November 5, 1998, in Sedalia, Missouri. He attended Smith-Cotton High School in his hometown, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete, participating in soccer, baseball, and football. Despite his later success as a placekicker, Grupe did not begin playing organized football until his sophomore year of high school. His late start did not hinder his development, as he quickly made an impact on the field.
During his senior season at Smith-Cotton High School, Grupe demonstrated his kicking ability by earning all-state recognition in both football and soccer. He set school records for single-season and career field goals made, accomplishments that helped him attract attention from college programs. His performance also included success as a soccer player, highlighting his versatility as an athlete. These achievements laid the foundation for his collegiate football career.
After completing high school, Grupe committed to play college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. This decision marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football, as he aimed to develop his skills at the NCAA Division I level before pursuing an NFL career.
Path to American Football
Grupe arrived at Arkansas State University in 2017 as a true freshman and redshirted during his first season. He waited for his opportunity to earn playing time, which came during his sophomore year in 2018. He took over the starting placekicking duties in week three of the season and finished that year converting 14 of 21 field goal attempts, ranking seventh in the Sun Belt Conference.
His breakthrough season came in 2019, when Grupe established himself as one of the top placekickers in the country. He connected on 19 of 22 field goal attempts and scored 110 total points, setting a school record for kickers. His performance earned him first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and made him a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation’s best placekicker. His point total ranked second in the conference and 13th best nationally, showcasing his reliability in clutch situations.
In 2021, Grupe continued his strong play by making 20 of 25 field goals and converting 31 of 32 extra point attempts. He concluded his Arkansas State career holding several school records, including career extra points made with 162, career field goals made with 64, and career points scored with 354. His success at the Group of Five level helped him earn a transfer to a Power Five program for his final season of eligibility.
Blake Robert Grupe Career
Arkansas State and Notre Dame (2017–2022)
After four seasons with the Arkansas State Red Wolves, Grupe transferred to the University of Notre Dame for his final year of collegiate eligibility in 2022. This move to the Fighting Irish represented a significant step up in competition, as Notre Dame competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference and faces some of the nation’s toughest schedules annually. The transition tested his ability to perform under increased scrutiny and pressure.
At Notre Dame during the 2022 season, Grupe demonstrated his adaptability by connecting on 14 of 19 field goal attempts while making all 49 of his extra point attempts. His consistency in South Bend solidified his draft stock and showed NFL scouts he could handle the mental demands of big-game situations. His career spanning 162 extra points made, 64 field goals made, and 354 career points at Arkansas State remains impressive by any measure.
New Orleans Saints (2023–2025)
Despite not being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Grupe signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. He immediately impressed during the preseason, making a game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in his first exhibition appearance. He competed against veteran Wil Lutz for the starting placekicker position and won the roster spot, securing his place on an NFL team through his performance under pressure.
Grupe’s rookie season in 2023 showed promise mixed with learning experiences. In Week 3, he missed a 46-yard go-ahead field goal against the Green Bay Packers that resulted in a Saints loss. However, he responded strongly just two weeks later, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 5 after making four extra points, two 50-plus-yard field goals, and recording five touchbacks in a shutout victory over the New England Patriots. For the season, he converted all 40 extra point attempts and 30 of 37 field goal attempts, demonstrating his accuracy on point-after-touchdown kicks.
The 2024 season saw Grupe maintain his role as the Saints’ primary placekicker, converting 31 of 33 extra point attempts and 27 of 31 field goal attempts. His consistency helped him remain a reliable option for the franchise. However, the 2025 season proved challenging as Grupe struggled with accuracy issues, missing a league-high eight field goal attempts through Week 12. His struggles included making only 5 of 11 attempts from beyond 40 yards, leading to his release by the Saints on November 25, 2025.
Indianapolis Colts (2025–Present)
Following his release from New Orleans, Grupe signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on December 2, 2025. He was promoted to the active roster on December 10, providing the Colts with depth at the placekicker position. His opportunity came at a crucial time in the season, and he prepared to compete for the starting role.
In Week 15 of the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks, Grupe made a significant impact by kicking a go-ahead 60-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Although the Colts lost the contest 18–16, Grupe’s long kick set a new franchise record for the longest field goal in Colts history, surpassing Dan Miller’s 58-yard field goal from 1982. This achievement demonstrated his leg strength and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations despite limited playing time with his new team.
On March 16, 2026, Grupe re-signed with the Colts on a one-year contract worth $1.4 million. This deal secured his position as the team’s placekicker moving forward and provided him an opportunity to build on his memorable first season with the franchise. The contract reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities following his record-setting kick.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a placekicker, Grupe has demonstrated particular strength in kickoff situations, regularly producing touchbacks that give his team favorable field position. His leg strength was on full display when he kicked a 60-yard field goal in a game situation, showcasing the power necessary for long-distance attempts. His background as a soccer player helped develop his kicking mechanics and footwork, providing a smooth foundation for his football career. He has shown the ability to bounce back from difficult performances, maintaining confidence in his abilities even during challenging seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Grupe’s most notable professional milestone came with his record-breaking 60-yard field goal for the Indianapolis Colts, which became the longest in franchise history. He also earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors during his rookie season with the Saints, highlighting his early success at the NFL level. His game-winning field goal in his first preseason appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs demonstrated his ability to deliver in clutch situations from the beginning of his professional career. At the collegiate level, his 354 career points at Arkansas State and multiple All-Sun Belt Conference selections established him as one of the more accomplished kickers to come from the conference in recent years.
Blake Robert Grupe Career Wins
Throughout his career spanning college and professional football, Blake Grupe has accumulated significant statistics as a placekicker. His consistency in converting extra points has been a hallmark of his game, having made all attempts in several seasons. His career-highlight moments include game-winning kicks and record-setting field goals that have contributed to team victories at multiple levels.
College Football Highlights
During his five collegiate seasons, Grupe established himself as a reliable and productive placekicker. At Arkansas State from 2017 to 2021, he made 64 career field goals and 162 extra points, scoring 354 total points while holding school records in multiple categories. His 2019 season was particularly impressive, as he was named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist and first-team All-Sun Belt Conference while scoring 110 points. His final collegiate season at Notre Dame in 2022 saw him convert 14 of 19 field goals and all 49 extra point attempts, maintaining his reputation for consistency.
Professional Football Highlights
In three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Grupe made 57 of 68 field goal attempts and 71 of 73 extra point attempts, scoring 242 total points. His most productive professional season came as a rookie in 2023, when he made 30 of 37 field goals and all 40 extra point attempts, earning his only NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor. His record-setting 60-yard field goal with the Colts in 2025 added a significant achievement to his professional resume, establishing a new franchise record. Through the 2026 season, his career NFL statistics include 86 field goals made on 105 attempts, 96 extra points made on 98 attempts, and 354 total career points scored.
Blake Robert Grupe Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Blake Grupe’s family background or personal relationships. His athletic career has been well-documented through his playing statistics and achievements, but details about his parents, siblings, or family lineage remain private. Publicly available information confirms his Sedalia, Missouri upbringing and his roots in the community where he attended Smith-Cotton High School.
Personal Life
Grupe maintains a public presence on social media platforms, where he shares updates about his football career and training regimen. He has expressed gratitude for opportunities throughout his football journey, including his path from a small-town high school in Missouri to the NFL. His late start in football during his sophomore year of high school has been cited as motivation for his work ethic, demonstrating his determination to catch up to peers who had more experience in the sport. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly verified.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Blake Grupe with the New Orleans Saints. After two relatively consistent seasons to start his NFL career, Grupe experienced significant accuracy issues throughout much of the campaign. His struggles were most apparent on longer field goal attempts, where he made only 5 of 11 attempts from beyond 40 yards. The missed attempts accumulated to a league-high eight field goal misses through Week 12, ultimately leading to his release by the Saints on November 25, 2025. This difficult stretch tested his resilience and mental approach to the game.
Despite the challenges in New Orleans, Grupe found an opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. Joining the team’s practice squad in early December, he worked to prove himself worthy of a roster spot. His persistence paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 10. In limited action during the final weeks of the season, Grupe delivered his most memorable performance of the year, kicking a 60-yard field goal to set the Colts franchise record. Though the team lost the game, his kick demonstrated the leg strength that had attracted NFL teams in the first place.
Looking ahead, Grupe’s re-signing with the Colts in March 2026 on a one-year, $1.4 million contract provides him with stability and an opportunity to build on his strong finish to the 2025 season. The contract represents a vote of confidence from the Colts organization in his abilities. With a full offseason to prepare and compete for the starting job, Grupe aims to demonstrate the consistency that characterized his early professional career while avoiding the accuracy issues that plagued his 2025 season.