He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 16th round of the 1973 NFL draft,[8] but he was cut during the preseason, after being deemed too short (listed as either five feet, four inches[9] five feet, five inches,[10] or five feet, six inches[8]) for the NFL.
Ferguson was drafted by the Portland Storm of the newly-formed World Football League.[9] During the 1974 WFL season, Ferguson ranked fourth in the league in rushing with 1,200 yards and led the Storm with 53 pass receptions.[12]
In June 1975, he signed with the Portland Thunder (WFL).[13] When the WFL folded prior to the end of the 1975 season, Ferguson was the Thunder's leading rusher with 768 yards and also had 32 receptions.[12] He became known in Portland for his touchdown dance that was known as either the "Roadrunner Shuffle" or the "Thunderbolt Shuffle".[12]
Later years
Ferguson's son, Rhadi Ferguson, was born in 1975 and became a martial arts champion.[14]