Jihad Ward

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Jihad Ward

| image = Jihad Ward.JPG

| alt =

| caption = Ward with the Oakland Raiders in 2016

| current_team =

| number =

| position = Linebacker

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|5|11}}

| birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 5

| weight_lbs = 285

| high_school = Edward W. Bok Technical
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

| college = {{ubl|Globe Tech (2012–2013)|Illinois (2014–2015)}}

| draftyear = 2016

| draftround = 2

| draftpick = 44

| pastteams = * Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})

Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2018}})*
Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2021}})
New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2022|2023}})
Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2024}})

| status = Active

| highlights =

| statweek =

| statseason = 2024

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 168

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 19.0

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 3

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 5

| statlabel5 = Pass deflections

| statvalue5 = 8

| statlabel6 = Interceptions

| statvalue6 =

| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns

| statvalue7 =

| pfr = WardJi02

}}

Jihad Ward ({{IPAc-en|dʒ|ɪ|ˈ|h|ɑː|d}} {{respell|jih|HAHD}};[https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/raiders/l05c4ug66xs4pxosjf0h.pdf Denver Broncos (8–7) vs. Oakland Raiders (12–3), Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, 2:25 pm MST, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver (flipcard) – NFL.com.] Retrieved November 27, 2020 born May 11, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker who has played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Early life

Ward attended Edward W. Bok Technical High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web |last=Frenette |first=Gene |date=March 27, 2021 |title=Jaguars' defensive lineman Jihad Ward took big risks on his football journey |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/gene-frenette/2021/03/27/jaguars-defensive-lineman-jihad-ward-took-big-risks-along-his-football-journey/7021515002/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}} He didn't play football until his sophomore year. He began as a wide receiver and safety, before being converted into a stand up defensive end as a junior.

He received second-team All-City (2010) and first-team All-City (2011) honors. He also practiced basketball.

College career

Ward attended Globe Institute of Technology for two years to improve his grades.{{Cite web |last=Mays |first=Robert |date=March 29, 2016 |title=For Jihad Ward, It Was The Journey |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/29/jihad-ward-nfl-draft-illinois |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} In 2013, he played in 7 games, making 26 tackles (3 for loss) and 2 sacks.

In 2014, he transferred to the University of Illinois.{{Cite web |last=Juliano |first=Joe |date=November 19, 2014 |title=DE Jihad Ward took long road from North Philly to Illinois |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/colleges/20141120_DE_Jihad_Ward_took_long_road_from_Phila__to_Illinois.html |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Inquirer.com |language=en}} He was named a starter at defensive end in the fourth game of the season. He posted 51 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries (led the conference), 2 forced fumbles, and one pass defended.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Brian |date=March 18, 2015 |title=Jihad Ward on the move upward at Illinois |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/116897/jihad-ward-on-the-move-upward-at-illinois |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Donald |date=October 23, 2015 |title=Former Bok Tech star Jihad Ward shines for Illinois |url=https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/former-bok-tech-star-jihad-ward-shines-for-illinois/article_49261c63-b438-548d-a102-49424357caf6.html |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=The Philadelphia Tribune |language=en}}

As a senior, he started all 12 games, playing both at defensive end and defensive tackle. He registered 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.{{Cite web |last=Dulac |first=Gerry |date=February 27, 2016 |title=Athletic defensive lineman Jihad Ward an intriguing option for Steelers |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/02/27/Athletic-defensive-lineman-Jihad-Ward-an-intriguing-option-for-Steelers-Illinois-Fighting-Illini/stories/201602270044 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}} Against the University of Iowa, he had a career-high 11 tackles, including nine solo.

In his last two years, he had 104 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defensed.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jihad-ward-1.html |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

Coming out of college, most analysts projected Ward to be a second or third round selection. Although analysts had said he has above average athletic ability for a man his size, can play both end spots in a 3–4 or 4–3, is large enough to play defensive tackle in 4–3, and could become a quality pass rusher in the NFL, he was also seen as a developmental project who needs improvement in his power, and has inconsistent balance in contact.

Ward was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and also participated at Illinois' Pro Day and even improved on the majority of his combine numbers. Representatives and scouts from all 32 teams showed up at Illinois' Pro Day, which was run by head coach Lovie Smith. Defensive line coaches from the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Houston Texans came especially to watch Ward perform.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |author-link=Gil Brandt |date=March 10, 2016 |title=DL coaches from three NFL teams check out Illinois' Ward |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000643293/article/dl-coaches-from-three-nfl-teams-check-out-illinois-ward |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311120204/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000643293/article/dl-coaches-from-three-nfl-teams-check-out-illinois-ward |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 5 1/8

| weight = 297

| dash = 5.09

| ten split = 1.80

| twenty split = 2.96

| shuttle = 4.63

| cone drill = 7.38

| vertical = 28.0

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 3

| bench = 22

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 33 7/8

| hand span = 9 3/8

| note = All values from NFL Scouting Combine/Pro Day{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jihad-ward/32005741-5220-8421-e203-445db831af6b|title=Jihad Ward Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |access-date=April 28, 2018| website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=132234&DraftYear=2016 |title=2016 Draft Scout Jihad Ward, Illinois NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=draftscout.com}}

}}

=Oakland Raiders=

Ward was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft, after dropping because he had a knee injury that was expected to require arthroscopic surgery.{{cite web|title=Oakland Raiders Select Illinois DE Jihad Ward in the 2nd Round of the 2016 NFL Draft|url=https://www.raiders.com/news/oakland-raiders-select-illinois-de-jihad-ward-in-the-2nd-round-of-the-2-17086259|website=Raiders.com|date=April 29, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2017}} Ward didn't participate much in organized team activities during the offseason.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Ward finished his rookie season with 30 tackles in 16 games, 13 of which were starts.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On July 6, 2017, it was revealed that he had surgery on his left foot after injuring it during a workout, putting him out of action until mid-August.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=July 6, 2017 |title=Jihad Ward has foot surgery, set to return in August |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jihad-ward-has-foot-surgery-set-to-return-in-august-0ap3000000818509 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=NFL.com}} The injury limited him during the season, playing in only five games and was declared inactive in ten contests.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Dallas Cowboys=

On April 28, 2018, the Raiders traded Ward to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Ryan Switzer.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Cowboys trade Ryan Switzer to Raiders for Jihad Ward |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-trade-ryan-switzer-to-raiders-for-jihad-ward-0ap3000000930144 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=NFL.com}} Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli coached Ward in the 2016 Senior Bowl.

On September 1, 2018, the Cowboys waived Ward during final roster cuts.{{Cite web |last=Helman |first=David |date=September 1, 2018 |title=Bailey Not Only Surprise Cut As Cowboys Trim To 53 |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/bailey-not-the-only-surprise-cut-as-cowboys-trim-to-53 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=DallasCowboys.com}}

=Indianapolis Colts=

File:Jihad Ward, Alex Smith (44724752391).jpg in 2018]]

On September 3, 2018, the Indianapolis Colts signed Ward to their practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=September 3, 2018 |title=Colts Sign Free Agent Tight End Ryan Hewitt; Place Tyquan Lewis On IR |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-free-agent-tight-end-ryan-hewitt-place-tyquan-lewis-on-ir |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Colts.com}} The team promoted him to the active roster on September 13, 2018.{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2018 |title=Colts Elevate DE Jihad Ward To Active Roster; Waive TE Erik Swoope |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-elevate-de-jihad-ward-to-active-roster-waive-te-erik-swoope |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Colts.com}} He was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2018, with an ankle injury.{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Roster Moves: Colts Elevate WR Steve Ishmael To Active Roster; Place DT Jihad Ward On IR |url=https://www.colts.com/news/roster-moves-colts-elevate-wr-steve-ishmael-to-active-roster-place-dt-jihad-ward |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Colts.com}} Despite only playing in six games in the 2018 season, he recorded three sacks.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On October 1, 2019, Ward was released by the Colts.{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2019 |title=Colts Sign Defensive Tackle Trevon Coley From Ravens' Practice Squad |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-defensive-tackle-trevon-coley-from-ravens-practice-squad |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Colts.com}}

=Baltimore Ravens=

On October 7, 2019, Ward was signed by the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Ravens Add Former Colts Defensive Lineman to 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-add-former-colts-defensive-lineman-to-53-man-roster |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} In the 2019 season, he appeared in 14 games and had one sack.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 21, 2020, Ward re-signed with the Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Shaffer |first=Jonas |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Ravens reportedly re-sign defensive linemen Jihad Ward, Justin Ellis |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-justin-ellis-re-signs-20200317-w3p5ayqbl5a5lo6gwmxuif7nxe-story.html |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 26, 2020,{{Cite web |last=Mink |first=Ryan |date=November 26, 2020 |title=Ravens Place Jihad Ward on Reserve/COVID-19 List, Reach 10 Players |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-place-jihad-ward-on-reserve-covid-19-list-reach-10-players |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} and activated on December 5, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=December 5, 2020 |title=Ravens Activate Three More Players From Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-activate-three-more-players-from-reserve-covid-19-list |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} He appeared in ten games in the 2020 season. He had three sacks, 16 total tackles, and two passes defended.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Jacksonville Jaguars=

On March 17, 2021, Ward signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |last=Acosta |first=J. P. |date=March 16, 2021 |title=Jaguars agree to terms with DE Jihad Ward |url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2021/3/16/22334028/jaguars-agree-to-terms-with-de-jihad-ward |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Big Cat Country |language=en}} Ward appeared in all 17 games and started one. He recorded two sacks and 32 total tackles (ten solo).{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=New York Giants=

On March 21, 2022, Ward signed with the New York Giants on a one-year contract.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Giants sign former 2nd-round pick Jihad Ward |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/21/giants-sign-former-2nd-round-pick-jihad-ward/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Giants Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}} He played in 17 games with 11 starts, recording a career-high 43 tackles and three sacks.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Ward re-signed with the Giants on March 29, 2023.{{cite web |title=Giants re-sign outside linebacker Jihad Ward |url=https://www.giants.com/news/jihad-ward-agree-to-terms-free-agency-nfl-2023-wink-martindale |website=Giants.com |access-date=March 29, 2023 |date=March 29, 2023}} He played in all 17 games with nine starts. recording a career-high five sacks.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Minnesota Vikings=

On March 20, 2024, Ward signed with the Minnesota Vikings.{{cite web|title=Vikings Continue Defensive Additions: Jihad Ward Signs; Kamu Grugier-Hill Agrees to Terms|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/jihad-ward-signs-kamu-grugier-hill-agrees-to-terms|author=Peters, Craig|website=Vikings.com|date=March 20, 2024}} He finished the 2024 season with one sack, ten tackles, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery.{{Cite web |title=Jihad Ward 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardJi02/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Personal life

Ward is Muslim. He has said that his name, Jihad, which is popular where he was raised in Philadelphia, has been misunderstood due to the negative connotations associated with the term, which has been used to describe Islamic violence against non-Muslims.{{Cite news |last=Dulac |first=Gerry |date=February 27, 2016 |title=Athletic defensive lineman Jihad Ward an intriguing option for Steelers |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/02/27/Athletic-defensive-lineman-Jihad-Ward-an-intriguing-option-for-Steelers-Illinois-Fighting-Illini/stories/201602270044 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328101317/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/02/27/Athletic-defensive-lineman-Jihad-Ward-an-intriguing-option-for-Steelers-Illinois-Fighting-Illini/stories/201602270044 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |language=en}}