Rufus Ferguson was Killian’s Roadrunner

Former Miami Killian High School star Rufus Ferguson is honored by members of the Mahi Shrine Temple as the outstanding player of the 1972 North-South Shrine All Star College Football Game at the Orange Bowl. The game was played every Christmas at the Orange Bowl from 1948 to 1973 and featured some of the best senior college football players in the nation.

Nicknamed “The Roadrunner”, Ferguson was built like a fire hydrant at 5’6 and 186 pounds. Blessed with remarkable lower body strength and quickness, Ferguson was tough to knock off his feet. In 1968, Ferguson led Killian to a stunning upset of defending state and national champion Coral Gables at the Orange Bowl. He was named to the Miami Herald’s All City team that included fellow running backs Nat Moore of Edison and Gerald Tinker of Coral Gables.

Ferguson went on to an outstanding college career at Wisconsin, where he became the first Badger running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing. He was known for his unique touchdown dance known as “The Rufus Shuffle”. Considered too small for the NFL, Ferguson was drafted in the 16th round by the Atlanta Falcons in 1973. After a brief stint in the CFL, he enjoyed success in the World Football League playing for the Portland Storm. He rushed for 1,200 yards and caught 53 passes during the 1974 season. The league eventually folded after the season.

Ferguson currently lives in Boca Raton. His son Rhadi Ferguson became a martial arts champion and competed in judo for the United States Olympic Team.