from the season, Blake underscores the importance of focusing on the present and on the current job at hand. “You must take it one week at a time and live in the moment. Treat every day with the utmost importance, trust yourself, and ensure you do your job at the highest ability.” To find the success Blake did, one must truly devote themselves to the game, on and off the field. During his regular season, Blake spent 7-8 hours at the facility every day training his body and mind to become the greatest player he could be. This included team meetings, practices, and film sessions with the only change in schedule occurring when he had a Monday or Thursday evening game. Despite the fast- paced schedule of an NFL athlete, Blake made sure to live in the moment, taking everything in that his new environment
memory and connects it to his experience while he was an active member in PIKE. “It was the locker room feel of being surrounded by a variety of people and getting to know each member. Each guy has his own story and I enjoyed taking the time to get to know each one and what makes them unique.” Blake emphasizes the importance of getting to know those you surround yourself with as it has made him a better brother and now, a better teammate. The relationships he prioritized throughout his life have been important to his success. As a new alum, Blake stays in contact with his chapter brothers and alumni advisors as they follow his career and root for him from the chapter grounds. “I feel the support from PIKE, from alumni, and actives. It is always great to feel the support from PIKE on and off the field.” Blake’s journey to the NFL reminds us not only of the impact support from our family, friends, and brothers can have on future success but also the importance of giving your all in anything you do. “I never thought I would be here with PIKE or the NFL but you never know what point you will get to, in anything you do, if you don’t push yourself to get the most out of it. You must give it your all.” Blake Grupe’s incredible story serves as an inspiration for many, proving that with dedication, true passion, and the support of a strong brotherhood, anything is possible.
PIKE played a major supporting role throughout his early collegiate journey, sticking by his side the following year when he earned a starting position with the Arkansas State Red Wolves. In 2019, Blake was named first-team all-conference
became a reality.
provided. He recalls the incredible feeling of this new experience and going on to play in the Superdome. “Any home game is unreal. The fans, the environment, all of it.” Aside from his home field, Blake most enjoyed playing at the roaring U.S. Bank Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings which is ranked the 7th loudest NFL stadium by NBC Sports. While he enjoyed the surreal moments on the field, some of his best memories happened outside of the facility, including a bow fishing trip with his new teammates that allowed him to bond with his fellow Saints. Blake reflects on this
Following his college career, Blake was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent and had the start all athletes can only dream of. In the first preseason game, Blake made the game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs and eventually won the position battle on the team, becoming the Saints starting placekicker for the regular season. Blake went on to have a very successful first season in the NFL, making 81.1% of his field goal attempts and earning the title of “NFC Special Teams Player of the Week” in the fifth week of the season. When asked about his learning
and a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award as best national placekicker. Blake’s success caught
the eyes of notable football programs from across the country, ultimately leading to him transferring to Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility in 2022 where he went on to achieve 14-19 on field goals and 100% on extra point attempts. It was then that his dream of playing professional football
DID YOU KNOW? President of the Saints Dennis Lauscha (Alabama, Gamma Alpha ‘88) is also a proud Pike!
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COURAGE TO BE MORE
SPRING 2024
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