Jason Ferguson (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jason Ferguson

Ferguson with the Miami Dolphins in 2009
No. 72, 95
Position:	Nose tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1974-11-28) November 28, 1974 (age 50) Nettleton, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	310 lb (141 kg)
Career information
High school:	Nettleton (MS)
College:	Georgia
NFL Draft:	1997 / Round: 7 / Pick: 229
Career history
New York Jets (1997) Dallas Cowboys (2005) Miami Dolphins (2008)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-SEC (1996)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 503 Sacks: 21.5 Forced fumbles: 6 Fumble recoveries: 2
Player stats at PFR

Jason O. Ferguson (born November 28, 1974) is a former American professional football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Jason played for famous teams like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins. The Jets picked him in the 1997 NFL draft. He also played college football at the University of Georgia.

Jason's Early Life and Sports

Jason Ferguson grew up in Nettleton, Mississippi. He went to Nettleton High School. There, he was a star athlete in many sports.

He earned special awards in football, basketball, and track and field. In football, he was named "All-South" twice. He was also an "All-District" player three times.

College Football Journey

Jason started his college football career at Itawamba Community College. He was a top player there, earning "All-Area" honors twice. He was also named "All-State."

In 1994, as a sophomore, he became a Junior College All-American. He made 88 tackles and 2.5 sacks that year. Jason first planned to go to Ole Miss. But he changed his mind and decided to play for the Georgia Bulldogs instead.

He played for the Georgia Bulldogs in 1995 and 1996. He played next to Jermaine Smith on the defensive line. In a memorable game against Auburn, Jason made a huge play. He sacked the quarterback, Dameyune Craig. This happened in the fourth overtime, helping Georgia win 56-49.

Jason's NFL Career

Former Cowboys teammates Ferguson (right) and Akin Ayodele in Miami in 2009.

Jason Ferguson was chosen by the New York Jets in the 1997 NFL draft. He was picked in the seventh round, as the 229th player overall. Bill Parcells, the Jets' coach, chose him.

Playing for the New York Jets

In his first year with the Jets, Jason shared playing time at nose tackle. He then became the main starter in 1998.

After the 2000-2001 season, Jason signed a big contract. But he got a serious shoulder injury in his first practice. This meant he missed the entire 2001 NFL season. He came back strong the next year. He played in all games in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Time with the Dallas Cowboys

After a great 2004 season, Jason became a free agent. He decided to join the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. He rejoined coach Bill Parcells there. Jason signed a five-year contract.

He started three games in 2005. In 2006, he became the full-time starter for the Cowboys. In 2007, Jason got a biceps injury in the first game. He then lost his starting spot to Jay Ratliff. After that season, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins.

Joining the Miami Dolphins

Ferguson (#95) with fellow 2009 Dolphins team captains Jason Taylor, Joey Porter and Chad Pennington.

Jason Ferguson joined Bill Parcells for a third time with the Miami Dolphins. He became the Dolphins' starting nose tackle in 2008. He played in all games that year. The Dolphins' opponents had a hard time running the ball against them.

In November 2009, Jason hurt his right knee in a game. This injury made him miss the rest of the 2009 NFL season. Many thought this injury might end his 13-year NFL career. He planned to either sign with the Dolphins again or retire.

On July 15, 2010, Jason Ferguson announced he was retiring from the NFL.

Jason Ferguson's NFL Stats

Here are some of Jason Ferguson's career statistics from the regular season: