11. Reid Ferguson (Buffalo Bills)
Long snapper Reid Ferguson is heading into his eighth NFL season—all with the Buffalo Bills. The 30-year-old outspoken Christian has expressed gratitude for Bills chaplain Len Vanden Bos and the team’s strong core of believers. Regular chapel services, Bible studies, and couples nights provide a “breath of fresh air” spiritually, said Ferguson. Plus, they’re a “great way to get the Word in front of more guys.”
Speaking to Sports Spectrum in 2022, Ferguson recapped his Southern Baptist upbringing in Georgia, including his involvement with Awana and youth group. At LSU, the athlete’s church attendance slid at first, before he rededicated himself to regular worship and reconnected with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
During a 2020 Facebook Live interview with Ferguson, New York Pastor Pat Jones noted that a long snapper receives little glory but is vital to the team. Similarly, all people play vital roles in the church, even if they’re not always publicly recognized.
In that interview, Ferguson shared tips for staying strong both physically and spiritually. “It has to be a daily thing” in both areas, he said. That’s why the athlete values opportunities to stay connected to God and to his Christ-following teammates. “Find a group of people who have your back,” Ferguson advised listeners.
As part of his efforts to give back to the Buffalo community, Ferguson supports military personnel and veterans. For two years in a row, he was named the Bills’ Salute to Service award nominee.
