Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (60) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Preseason-New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals
(New York, NY) — Paging Doctor who?
D’Brickashaw Ferguson is pursuing a new career after football. The former New York Jets lineman announced he will be attending nursing school this fall.
“I wanted something that I could offer. Like, yes I play football, but I have this,” the 39-year-old told the “more than an athlete podcast. “I’m qualified to do this work and play football. So if both of them help or encourage one another, great.”
While retirees typically continue as broadcasters and analysts, Ferguson found a personal way to make a second career. The idea of not just being defined as a football player fuels Ferguson’s drive.
“I just needed that sense of, ‘I think I can do this,'” the lineman added.
The 4th overall selection by the New York Jets in 2006 suited up for 160 consecutive games, missing only one snap throughout his decorated 10-year NFL. Ferguson, a staple in the Jets forefront, was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2022.
D’Brickashaw was not always confident in this potential career, but he took things slow completing all the prerequisites one class at a time.
At just nine years-old, Ferguson received a lifesaving heart surgery, and now is paying it forward dedicating his time to save others.
