He played college football for the Florida Gators, setting team records for field goals completed in a season and a career, and was recognized as a first-team All-American.

As a true freshman in 2008, he handled kickoffs for the Gators, and averaged 63.7 yards on 90 total kicks.

[5] In 2010, Sturgis made two of four field goal attempts in four games before he suffered a back injury that ended his season.

In the 2013 NFL draft, Sturgis was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round, as the 166th overall pick.

[12] On August 14, 2013, Sturgis became the starter for the 2013 season after a short-lived competition with Dan Carpenter and with the latter being released that day.

In Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, Sturgis tried to send the game into overtime when he attempted a 57-yard field goal near the end of fourth quarter as the Dolphins lost 26–23.

In Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sturgis kicked a 44-yard field goal to tie the game at 20 with 11 seconds to go in regulation as the Dolphins won 22–20 in overtime.

[15] On September 28, 2015, Sturgis signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, following a season-ending injury to Cody Parkey.

After the game Sturgis took responsibility, saying "the rest of the team gave such a good effort today.

[19] However, Kelly did not show much confidence in his kicker as he went for it two times on fourth and long early in the game.

On September 7, 2016, Sturgis signed a one-year extension worth $900,000 to remain with the Eagles after beating out Parkey in training camp.

[20] On September 10, 2017, in the season opening 30–17 victory over the Washington Redskins, Sturgis converted three field goals, a 50-yarder, a 42-yarder, and a 37-yarder.

[25] Sturgis was released by the Chargers on November 5, 2018, after missing a field goal and two extra points in Week 9.