When you talk about the Dallas Cowboys’ rising star Jake Ferguson, most fans know about his Pro Bowl breakout, his Wisconsin Badgers roots, and his football bloodline through his grandfather, Barry Alvarez. But what often flies under the radar is the sibling story that shaped him. Behind Jake’s NFL shine is an older brother who also put on the Wisconsin uniform—Joe Ferguson. 

While Jake is hauling in passes on Sundays, Joe was once patrolling the secondary as a safety for the Badgers. Their bond is more than just family ties; it’s a classic tale of brothers pushing each other to get better, competing in backyards, and carrying the Ferguson name into one of college football’s biggest stages. Let’s dive into who Joe Ferguson is, his football journey, and how he helped his younger brother Jake rise to NFL stardom.

Who is Jake Ferguson’s brother, Joe Ferguson?

When Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson takes the field, he’s not the first in his family to make noise on the gridiron. His older brother, Joe Ferguson, also carved out his own football career. Joe played safety at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became a steady presence in the Badgers’ secondary. 

While Jake was catching passes on offense, Joe was locking things down on defense, giving the Ferguson family bragging rights on both sides of the ball.

What was Joe Ferguson’s football career like?

In 2017, Joe Ferguson emerged as a key contributor for the Wisconsin Badgers as a safety. Known for his work ethic and natural fit for the position, Ferguson elevated his game that season, appearing in 14 contests. He recorded 17 tackles, broke up two passes, and came away with four interceptions—one of which he returned 99 yards for a dramatic touchdown against Utah State. His determination and creativity helped anchor a defense that became one of the nation’s best, with Wisconsin finishing second in the country in scoring defense, rushing defense, and more.

How is Joe Ferguson connected to Jake Ferguson’s journey?

For Jake Ferguson, having Joe as an older brother was like having a built-in mentor. The two grew up competing in everything, whether it was sports in the backyard or reps in the weight room. Joe’s experience at Wisconsin gave Jake a direct look at what it took to succeed at the Division I level.

Jake has often spoken about how his family’s football ties—his grandfather Barry Alvarez being the legendary Wisconsin coach, his dad Brad playing linebacker at Nebraska, and Joe playing safety for the Badgers—helped shape him. But it was Joe’s presence that made the biggest sibling impact. From pushing him in training to giving advice about handling the pressure of being a Badger, Joe’s influence helped Jake become the player who would one day star in the NFL.

In fact, during Jake’s early days at Wisconsin, he and Joe occasionally lined up against each other in practice. Those one-on-one moments sharpened Jake’s game and gave the brothers stories to tell for life. Their bond is built on both family pride and shared battles on the same field.

What is Joe Ferguson doing now?

These days, Joe Ferguson has stepped away from the spotlight of college football. While Jake is out catching touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys, Joe has moved into the next chapter of his life — focusing on personal pursuits and staying quietly connected to the Wisconsin community. He’s taken a more low-key path, one that contrasts with Jake’s high-profile NFL journey.

But one thing hasn’t changed: the bond between the brothers. Jake continues to credit his family — especially Joe — for keeping him grounded as he navigates life in the NFL. And for fans, understanding Joe’s background adds a whole new layer to Jake’s rise, showing just how deep the Ferguson football roots truly run.

Joe Ferguson may not have the same national spotlight as his younger brother Jake, but his role in the story is undeniable. From suiting up as a safety at Wisconsin to serving as a mentor and competitor, Joe helped shape Jake into the player and person he is today. The Ferguson brothers represent a football lineage that runs deep, tied together by family, competition, and a love for the game.