By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — Free agent Drew Ferris, who was a long snapper at the University of Florida for three seasons, has been signed by the Seattle Seahawks to a three-year-contract. Ferris had been a high school graduate from San Diego Jewish Academy, and is the son of Walt and Pam Ferris.
The news broke with Drew posting a picture of himself wearing a Seahawk ball cap and signing his contract.
In his Facebook post he wrote: “It’s an honor and a blessing to become a member of the @seahawks truly grateful for everyone who has been there for me. Can’t thank my friends and family enough for supporting me through my journey. Exited to continue my football career as a member of the @seahawks!!!!”
In a post which he also thanked others, he added: “I was never the most athletic kid, never picked first in grade school, minimum plays in pop warner, benched a few times in high school, didn’t get pulled up to varsity at the end of JV year, played 8 man football junior year, didn’t sign a scholarship out of high school, red shirted in college, wasn’t drafted or signed right out of college and now I am sitting here signing a @NFL contract for the @seahawks. G-d works in mysterious ways and we don’t always know what he has in store for us. But he has a plan far greater than we can understand. Motivation, knowledge, resources, hard work, discipline, and patience are the keys to success. ”
Pam Ferris, who is the chief executive officer of Seacrest Village Retirement Community, echoed her son’s comments in an e-blast sent to friends and board members of Seacrest Village, which formerly was known as the Hebrew Home for the Aged:
“Well, I thought the big news in the Ferris Family this year was going to be our daughter Kate’s wedding in August, but Wednesday came another wonderful surprise, for those who don’t already know,” she wrote.
“Our son Drew signed a 3 year contract with the Seattle Seahawks to be their long snapper! (Yes, some Jewish kids do play sports and even make it to the NFL, albeit not many!) He starts training camp April 18th and with continued hard work, he should still be on the roster in the fall, especially since they cut the two long snappers they had to make way for Drew!
“Drew graduated from the San Diego Jewish Academy (yes, their first graduate to make it to the NFL) and was recruited to the University of Florida as a preferred walk-on, where he red shirted his first year, was the starting long snapper the entire second year and then received a full scholarship for the remainder of his eligibility. He moved back to SD in December and has continued to work hard for this incredible opportunity.
“I always thought parents were supposed to be the ones teaching their kids, but after watching Drew, I know we learn from our kids too! Dreams really can come true when opportunities arise and we are willing to work hard, preserve and make the necessary sacrifices.
My personal quote to our staff today was this: When opportunities are met with hard work, dedication, determination and perseverance, dreams can come true.
“Walt and I could not be more proud! Thanks for allowing me to share this exciting personal news. Go Seahawks! Shabbat Shalom and warm regards to all.”
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter-writer’s first and last name and his/her city and state of residence.