Meet Jake Ferguson’s parents: The driving force behind Cowboys Tight End’s rise to NFL

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most promising young players, but his path to success was shaped long before he stepped onto a professional field.

Coming from a football-driven family, Ferguson was guided by parents who combined athletic experience, discipline, and unwavering support.

His background reveals how family tradition and tough parenting prepared him for life in the NFL.

Jake Ferguson’s Parents: How Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas shaped his career

Jake Ferguson was born on January 18, 1999, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas. His father, Brad, played linebacker at the University of Nebraska in 1988 before moving into coaching.

He became Jake’s first coach, mentoring him from youth football through high school, instilling both fundamentals and a competitive mindset.Dawn Alvarez Thomas, Ferguson’s mother, balances leadership with athletics. She currently chairs the Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee and has served as president of a consulting company since 2015. A University of Nebraska graduate with an athletic background in volleyball, basketball, and golf, Dawn has long emphasized discipline.

Her tough-love parenting style taught Jake resilience, often reminding him to face competition head-on rather than shy away from challenges.

A Family Football Legacy: From brother Joe Ferguson to Hall of Famer Barry Alvarez

The Ferguson household is steeped in football. Jake’s older brother, Joe Ferguson, played safety at Wisconsin, appearing in four bowl games before transitioning to real estate. The brothers’ early basement football battles sharpened Jake’s instincts, fueling his competitive edge.Adding to this legacy is Jake’s maternal grandfather, Barry Alvarez, a College Football Hall of Fame coach who rebuilt the Wisconsin Badgers into a Big Ten contender. With three Rose Bowl victories and a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in conference history, Alvarez continues to influence Jake’s career with mentorship and perspective.Jake Ferguson’s parents are American, with strong Midwestern roots.

Brad Ferguson was born in Nebraska, while Dawn is originally from Iowa. Through Dawn’s side, Jake also carries Spanish heritage, as the Alvarez family traces its lineage back to Spain. This mix of cultural pride and athletic discipline has contributed to the values that shape his career.Also Read: Jordan Love Net Worth 2025: A look at the Packers QB’s Salary, Contracts, Endorsements, and Career EarningsJake Ferguson’s rise with the Dallas Cowboys is no accident. With a father who coached, a mother who demanded toughness, and a grandfather who built a college football powerhouse, Ferguson has been surrounded by football excellence from the start. Today, his NFL journey is a continuation of a family legacy rooted in determination, grit, and love for the game.