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Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson named 2023 Salute to Service Nominee

Nov 01, 2023 at 03:48 PM

Patrick Warren

Contributing Correspondent

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For the second straight year, long snapper Reid Ferguson is the Buffalo Bills' nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service award this season. Ferguson was nominated because of his commitment to spending time off the field honoring active and retired military members.

"The biggest thing is really just showing appreciation for everything those men and women have given to our country," Ferguson said. "Sometimes it's easy to take for granted the freedom that we have on a day to day basis and I think my involvement centers around an appreciation of what they've given and what they've laid on the line and part of it is just showing respect and support for all the family members that I've had serve in various branches over the years."

Ferguson's grandfathers Jim Seale and Robert Ferguson as well as his great uncle Jerry Seale and great grandfather Howard Seale all served in the military. The Salute to Service award, presented by the NFL and USAA, recognizes players, coaches, staff and alumni for their outstanding dedication to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities.

"It's such a high honor," Ferguson said. "I know how prestigious this nomination is in this organization and I hold that in high regard, so I appreciate it and the things that come with it."

Ferguson has hosted a "Thank a Vet" meet and greet happy hour throughout his time in Buffalo for military members, veterans and their families to swing by and meet the Bills long snapper at a local brewery. Proceeds from the event benefit the Veterans One-Stop Center of Western New York, which empowers veterans to achieve economic well-being by offering services necessary to make the transition from military to civilian life.

Ferguson will once again host the event this year on Veterans Day.

In April 2021, Ferguson started a unique foundation, called Grills Mafia, which sells merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going to veterans communities in WNY. They also hosted their first BBQ competition earlier this year to raise money for veterans' charities around WNY.

In April 2023, Ferguson and special teams coach Matthew Smiley as well as 49 veterans flew to Washington, D.C. on the 2023 Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. Ferguson visited the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials and paid tribute to those who have served the United States.

"It was incredible to be able to take the trip, especially with Coach Smiley, who served in the Air Force," Ferguson said. "I was meeting so many people at each monument and just walking and talking with them and hearing them share their stories about not only them serving but also about the Bills. Those guys are some of the biggest Bills fans you'll ever meet in your life."

"It's such a high honor," Ferguson said. "I know how prestigious this nomination is in this organization and I hold that in high regard, so I appreciate it and the things that come with it."