Bob Leverone/AP photo
By Brandon J. Koch
The long snapper is one of the most underrated positions in all of football. We kind of take them for granted. They are a contributor to any football team. If something goes wrong with a snap on a extra point or a punt, it could change the course of a game.
I caught up with Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson about life, his first season with the team, coach McDermott and much more. A big thanks to him for taking the time and answering these questions.
When did he first want to be a long snapper and how long did it take to learn?
RF: “In 8th grade when our starting C/LS went down with an injury, I knew it was a way I could find my way into the field. It took a lot of practice, but I started to know it was something I could do around my freshman year of HS.”
The people who had an impact on his life
RF: “My parents first and foremost, a few of my HS coaches, teachers, and my LS instructor Chris Rubio.”
On his time at LSU
RF: “My time at LSU was hands down the best 4 years of my life so far. If I could do it over again, I would. LSU is one of the most amazing places you could go to college and their fan base made it that much better.”
On how he responded to being cut in 2016
RF: “It was tough at the time, especially since I felt I had a solid spring/TC that year, but I knew I was good enough to make it in this league so I didn’t let my head get down and I kept pushing, knowing someone would take a chance on me again and thankfully it was Buffalo.”
What it was like coming back to the airport after clinching a playoff berth?
RF: “Coming back to Buffalo and seeing all of those fans waiting for us was one of the most unbelievable experiences ever. That kind of reaction from a fan base gives the team so much encouragement going forward.”
How difficult was it long snapping in the snow game against the Colts?
RF: “Haha, that game was actually a lot of fun to participate in. It was very hard to snap the ball considering it was basically a frozen brick, but we all did our best and winning in OT just makes it that much sweeter.”
What does he do in the off-season?
RF: “I am currently living in Atlanta, working out, enjoying my off time. I’ll be going to some Atlanta United soccer games and making a few trips, including a mission trip to Angola Prison in Louisiana in March with our team chaplain and a few guys from the team. Pretty stoked about it.”
On his head coach
RF: “Coach McDermott is a great leader, coach, and mentor. I think we have all learned a lot from him as he became familiar with being a HC and I think he has learned a lot from us as a team in the process as well. It’s been a fun journey so far and I’m looking forward to Year 2.”
Hobbies and interesting facts?
RF: “A few hobbies I have are traveling, watching movies, and I’m a big foodie, so I love to visit new and different restaurants wherever I am so get a taste of the culture and try new things.”
You can follow him on Twitter @SnapFlow50
Leave a Reply