Who Are Jake Ferguson’s Parents? All About Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson comes from a football family where the game runs deeper than just Sunday entertainment. The 26-year-old NFL star was shaped by parents who understood both the physical demands and mental toughness required to excel in professional sports. His mother, Dawn Alvarez Thomas, serves as Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee Chair and brings her own athletic background to the family dynamic. His father, Brad Ferguson, was a linebacker at the University of Nebraska who later became Jake’s first football coach.

Who are Jake Ferguson’s parents?

Jake Ferguson was born on January 18, 1999, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas. His father, Brad Ferguson, brings strong football credentials to the family, having played linebacker at the University of Nebraska in 1988. Brad coached Jake from early childhood through high school, providing professional-level mentorship that played a vital role in his football development.

Dawn Alvarez Thomas currently serves as the Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee Chair, reflecting her commitment to community service. According to her LinkedIn profile, she has been the acting president of a consulting company since 2015. She attended the University of Nebraska from 1987 to 1991, earning a degree in Journalism. Dawn relocated to Fort Myers Beach from Wisconsin after Jake enrolled at the University of Wisconsin.

The Ferguson family also includes Jake’s older brother, Joe, who followed a similar football path. Joe Ferguson was a four-time bowl-winning safety with the Wisconsin Badgers and now works in real estate. The brothers spent countless hours playing football in their basement, where Joe only moved from his knees until Jake reached first grade to even the playing field. This early competition helped sharpen Jake’s competitive edge and football instincts, which have served him well at higher levels.

What ethnicity are Jake Ferguson’s parents?

Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez-Thomas are both American, with deep Midwestern roots. Brad was born on September 16, 1964, in Chadron, Nebraska, while Dawn hails from Iowa City, Iowa. Their backgrounds reflect a strong emphasis on hard work and athletic achievement, values that have been instilled and passed down through their family.

Notably, the Alvarez side of the family includes Spanish heritage. Barry Alvarez, Jake’s maternal grandfather, descends from ancestors who immigrated to the United States from Spain, eventually settling in Langeloth, Pennsylvania. This multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping the family’s enduring work ethic and commitment to excellence, traits evident across generations.

Inside Jake Ferguson’s Relationship with His Parents

Jake maintains a close and supportive relationship with both of his parents, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for football. His father, Brad Ferguson, a former college linebacker, played a pivotal role in his development by serving as the family’s basement quarterback during countless indoor football sessions. Brad later coached Jake from flag football through high school, instilling in him a deep understanding of the game and fostering a competitive mindset that remains central to Jake’s approach on the field.

Jake’s mother, Dawn Thomas, exemplifies a tough-love parenting style. She candidly admits, “I’m not that mom that says, ‘Good luck.’ I’m the mom that says, ‘Kick their a*s.’” Raised in a physically demanding, football-centric environment as the daughter of Barry Alvarez, Dawn participated in volleyball, basketball, and golf, embracing a philosophy that healing wounds requires grit rather than softness. This no-nonsense attitude has been instrumental in preparing both her sons for the rigors and challenges of competitive football.

The family’s support extends beyond emotional encouragement. Dawn and her husband, Brian Thomas, regularly travel to Dallas to cheer Jake on during Cowboys games, reflecting the close family bonds that endure despite the demanding nature of his professional career. Jake himself often returns to Fort Myers Beach to run on the sand and decompress, highlighting how vital his family’s support remains to his continued success.

Jake Ferguson’s grandfather, Barry Alvarez

Barry Alvarez, Jake’s maternal grandfather, is a College Football Hall of Fame coach renowned for transforming the University of Wisconsin’s football program. He served as Wisconsin’s head coach from 1990 to 2005, compiling a career record of 119–74–4 and capturing three Big Ten Championships. Upon his retirement, Alvarez and Woody Hayes were the only two Big Ten coaches to have won three Rose Bowls. A bronze statue in Alvarez’s likeness stands proudly in front of the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium, a testament to his lasting impact on the program.

When Alvarez took over, Wisconsin’s football program had not had a winning season since 1984 and had struggled in Big Ten play. Through his toughness, dedication, and strategic recruiting, he rebuilt the program into a national powerhouse. Alvarez led the Badgers to three Rose Bowl victories and 11 bowl games, winning eight of them. Even after retiring, he served as interim head coach twice and remained active as Wisconsin’s athletic director until 2021.

Alvarez continues to play an active role in Jake’s NFL career, often traveling to Dallas to watch him practice and offering mentorship. After the Dallas Cowboys drafted Jake, Alvarez reminded him, “It’s time to go to work now. This is just the start,” underscoring his ongoing guidance. While proud of his family legacy, Jake aspires to be recognized for his own accomplishments, reflecting a healthy, competitive dynamic between grandfather and grandson.

The Ferguson family proves that legacies do move forward. With Brad’s coaching background, Dawn’s tough-love approach, and Barry Alvarez’s football wisdom, Jake had all the tools he needed to make it to the NFL. The best part? They’re still his biggest fans, whether he’s catching touchdowns in Dallas or just running on the beach back home in Florida.