Brief Introduction of Blake Grupe
Blake Robert Grupe is an American professional football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 5, 1998, he has become a notable figure in the league due to his powerful leg and clutch performances. Grupe’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance, having gone undrafted after a successful collegiate career at both Arkansas State University and the University of Notre Dame. Since joining the Saints, he has established himself as a reliable kicker, known for his accuracy and ability to convert crucial field goals. The Blake Grupe biography is a story of an underdog who defied expectations to secure a coveted spot in the competitive world of professional football, quickly making a name for himself with his performance on the field.
Blake Grupe Overview
| Full Name | Blake Robert Grupe |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Sedalia, Missouri, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Football Placekicker |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Information not publicly disclosed. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Kennedy Grizzaffi |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $1-3 million |
Early Life and Education of Blake Grupe
Blake Grupe was born in Sedalia, Missouri, where he attended Smith-Cotton High School. A versatile athlete from a young age, Grupe excelled in multiple sports, lettering in football, soccer, and baseball. Interestingly, he did not begin playing football until his sophomore year of high school. His natural talent quickly became apparent, and by his senior year, he had earned all-state honors in both football and soccer. He left an indelible mark on his high school’s athletic program, setting school records for both single-season and career field goals. His prowess on the field was recognized by kicking academies, with Kohl’s Kicking Academy rating him as a 4.5-star prospect. After graduating, Grupe committed to continue his football journey at the collegiate level with the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Blake Grupe’s Career
Grupe’s collegiate career began at Arkansas State University, where he redshirted his true freshman season in 2017. The following year, he took over as the starting placekicker and quickly made an impact, converting 14 of 21 field goal attempts. His breakout season came in 2019, where he was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker. That year, he made 19 of 22 field goals and his 110 points set a school record for a kicker. He continued to be a consistent scorer for the Red Wolves, and by the end of his time at Arkansas State, he held several school records, including career points (354), career field goals (64), and career extra points (162).
For his final year of eligibility in 2022, Grupe transferred to the University of Notre Dame as a graduate student. In his lone season with the Fighting Irish, he continued to showcase his talent, going 14-for-19 on field goals and a perfect 49-for-49 on extra points, leading the team in scoring with 91 points.
Despite a decorated college career, Blake Grupe went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his talent did not go unnoticed, as he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints. He entered a competitive training camp, vying for the starting kicker position against the established veteran Wil Lutz. Grupe impressed the coaching staff throughout the preseason, a highlight being a game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ultimately, Grupe won the job, and the Saints traded Lutz to the Denver Broncos.
Grupe’s rookie season in the NFL was a success. He demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and quickly became a reliable asset for the Saints. A standout moment from his rookie year was being named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, where he converted two field goals from over 50 yards. As a rookie, he successfully made 30 of his 37 field goal attempts and was a perfect 40 for 40 on extra points. He continued his solid play into his second season, further solidifying his role as the Saints’ starting kicker. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a dependable NFL starter is a significant achievement in his professional career.
Blake Grupe Personal Life & Family
While Blake Grupe maintains a relatively private personal life, some details are known. He is in a relationship with Kennedy Grizzaffi, a Louisiana native who is currently attending the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. The couple has been seen traveling together to various exotic locations. Information about Blake Grupe’s parents and other family members is not widely publicized. He has, however, been involved in philanthropic activities. Through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, he has supported the Dream Hunt Foundation, an organization that provides hunting and fishing trips for children and teens with disabilities, terminal illnesses, or significant disadvantages. He has also participated in various community events with the New Orleans Saints, including visiting pediatric cancer patients and participating in the team’s Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
Awards and Achievements of Blake Grupe
- NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 5, 2023)
- First-team All-Sun Belt (2019)
- Second-team All-Sun Belt (2021)
- Lou Groza Award Semifinalist (2019)
- Set Arkansas State school records for career points, field goals, and extra points
Blake Grupe Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Blake Grupe’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-3 million. His primary source of income is his NFL salary. He signed a three-year, $2,697,500 contract with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2023. This contract included a $2,500 signing bonus and $2,500 in guaranteed money. His average annual salary is approximately $899,167. For the 2025 season, Grupe is set to earn a base salary of $1,030,000. His career earnings through the 2025 season are projected to be around $2,707,580. While this may seem modest compared to some of the league’s top players, it is a significant accomplishment for a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent. Details regarding any endorsement deals or other sources of income are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Blake Grupe’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact as an inspiration for aspiring athletes who may be overlooked in the drafting process. His journey to the NFL is a powerful story of determination and self-belief. By winning the starting kicker position with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie, he has shown that talent and hard work can overcome the odds. He has brought stability to a crucial position for the Saints, and his performances have already contributed to key victories. His public image is that of a dedicated and humble professional who is committed to his craft and his community. His involvement in charitable work further enhances his positive influence both on and off the field.
Interesting Facts about Blake Grupe
- He was a three-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, soccer, and baseball.
- He earned all-state honors in both football and soccer in the same year.
- He holds multiple kicking records at Arkansas State University.
- He won the starting kicker job for the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie, beating out a veteran player.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arkansas State in the spring of 2020.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Blake Grupe. He has maintained a professional and positive public image throughout his college and professional career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Blake Grupe
Blake Grupe’s story is a compelling narrative of an athlete who has consistently proven his worth at every level of the game. From a multi-sport star in high school to a record-breaking collegiate kicker and now a reliable NFL starter, his career has been on an upward trajectory. His journey, particularly his success as an undrafted free agent, serves as a powerful motivator. Currently, he is focused on continuing to improve and help the New Orleans Saints achieve their goals. With his strong work ethic and clutch kicking ability, the future looks bright for Blake Grupe. His legacy will likely be that of a player who maximized his potential and demonstrated that the path to success in the NFL is not always a conventional one.
