Blake Grupe Bio
Blake Robert Grupe is an American professional football placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft. Grupe has quickly made a name for himself in the league with notable performances and achievements during his early career.
Early Life and Background
Blake Grupe was born on November 5, 1998, in Sedalia, Missouri. He attended Smith-Cotton High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, participating in soccer, baseball, and football. Grupe did not begin playing football until his sophomore year but quickly excelled in the sport. As a senior, he earned all-state honors in both football and soccer, setting school records for single-season and career field goals made. His impressive high school performance led him to commit to play college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Grupe’s early exposure to sports and his dedication to training laid the foundation for his successful football career. He continued to develop his skills during his college years, where he would further establish himself as a top placekicker. He attended Arkansas State University and later transferred to the University of Notre Dame to complete his college career.
Path to American Football
Blake Grupe began his college football journey at Arkansas State University in 2017, where he redshirted his true freshman year. In 2018, he earned the starting placekicking job in week three and finished the season with 14 successful field goals out of 21 attempts, ranking seventh in the Sun Belt Conference. His performance improved significantly in 2019, where he converted 19 of 22 field goal attempts, earning first-team all-conference honors and becoming a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the best placekicker in college football. Grupe’s total of 110 points scored that season set a school record for kickers and was among the best in the nation. In 2020, Grupe continued to showcase his skills, making 11 of 18 field goals and successfully converting 43 extra points. He concluded his time at Arkansas State in 2021 with an impressive record of 20 successful field goals out of 25 attempts and a near-perfect extra point record. Grupe transferred to Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility in 2022, where he maintained his high level of performance, converting 14 of 19 field goals and making all 49 extra point attempts.
Blake Grupe Career
Early Career (2023)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Blake Grupe signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. He made an immediate impact during the preseason, notably kicking the game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs. Grupe competed with veteran Wil Lutz for the starting position and ultimately won the job. His rookie season saw him convert all 40 extra point attempts and 30 of 37 field goal attempts, showcasing his reliability and skill under pressure. Grupe’s performance in Week 5 earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award after he successfully completed four extra points and two field goals of over 50 yards in a dominant victory over the New England Patriots. His ability to perform in crucial moments established him as a key player for the Saints during his rookie year.
Breakthrough (2024)
In the 2024 season, Grupe continued to build on his success, converting 31 of 33 extra point attempts and 27 of 31 field goal attempts. His consistent performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s promising young kickers. However, on November 25, 2025, Grupe was released by the New Orleans Saints, marking a significant transition in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Grupe’s signature work includes his record-setting performances during his college career and his impressive rookie season in the NFL. He has achieved notable milestones, including being named first-team All-Sun Belt in 2019 and second-team All-Sun Belt in 2021. His ability to kick a 60-yard field goal during a game with the Indianapolis Colts also set a new franchise record, surpassing the previous record of 58 yards.
Blake Grupe Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Blake Grupe has received recognition for his achievements, including nominations for various collegiate awards during his time at Arkansas State and Notre Dame. His performance has consistently placed him among the top kickers in the nation.
Blake Grupe Awards Won
Blake Grupe has won several awards during his football career, including first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2019 and second-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2021. These accolades reflect his skill and dedication to the sport.
Blake Grupe Family
Information regarding Blake Grupe’s family background is limited and not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Details about Blake Grupe’s personal life, including marital status and relationships, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional career and performance on the field.
