T. J. Ward
{{Short description|American football player (born 1986)}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = T. J. Ward
| image = T. J. Ward by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption = Ward in 2023
| alt =
| number = 43
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|12|12|mf=y}}
| birth_place = San Francisco, California, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 10
| weight_lbs = 200
| high_school = De La Salle {{nowrap|(Concord, California)}}
| college = Oregon (2005–2009)
| draftyear = 2010
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 38
| pastteams =
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2016}})
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2017}})
- Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2020}})*
| highlights =
- Super Bowl champion (50)
- Second-team All-Pro (2013)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2013, 2014, 2015)
- PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team ({{NFL Year|2010}})
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 607
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 8.5
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 10
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 4
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 8
| statlabel6 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 3
| pfr = W/WardT.99
}}
Terrell Ray "T. J." Ward Jr. (born December 12, 1986) is an American former professional football safety who played for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. Ward also played for the Denver Broncos, with whom he won Super Bowl 50.
Early life
Ward played high school football at prep powerhouse De La Salle during their 151-game winning streak.{{Cite news |date=February 6, 2016 |title=Former De La Salle/Oregon safety T.J. Ward's long journey to Super Bowl 50 - MaxPreps |language=en-US |work=MaxPreps.com |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/S3kEHGp2gUme0p1okdy6Jw/former-de-la-salle-oregon-safety-tj-wards-long-journey-to-super-bowl-50.htm |access-date=June 16, 2018}} An injury early in his senior year deterred many scouts, leading him to walk-on with the Oregon Ducks.{{Cite web|url=http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=529225|title = T.J. Ward - Football}}
He did not move up in the starting lineup until his senior year due to the talent on the teamBen Swanson, April 27, 2015. When I was Drafted. http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/When-I-was-drafted-TJ-Wards-story/516216c8-180c-4d87-9674-2ee9b3bb9c27 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003034728/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/When-I-was-drafted-TJ-Wards-story/516216c8-180c-4d87-9674-2ee9b3bb9c27/ |date=October 3, 2020 }}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10 1/2
| weight = 211
| dash = 4.48
| ten split = 1.53
| twenty split = 2.54
| shuttle = 4.12
| cone drill = 7.00
| vertical = 34.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 1
| bench = 19
| arm span = 30 3/4
| hand span = 9 1/4
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine /Oregon's Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/t-j--ward/32005741-5227-4773-2059-c71a68b46c3b |title=T.J. Ward Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=December 8, 2021}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=66973&DraftYear=2010 |title=T.J. Ward, Oregon, SS, 2010 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=September 5, 2018}}
}}
=Cleveland Browns=
==2010==
The Cleveland Browns selected Ward in the second round (38th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth {{USD}}4.02 million, on July 26, 2010.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: T.J. Ward contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/t.j.-ward-6547/ |access-date=September 5, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
Throughout training camp, Ward competed against Mike Adams to be the starting free safety.{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2010 |title=Battering Ram, T.J. Ward, Strives To Be a Starter For Cleveland Browns Defense |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/408157-battering-ram-tj-ward-strives-to-start-for-cleveland-browns |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=bleacherreport.com}} Head coach Eric Mangini named Ward the starting free safety to begin the regular season. He started alongside strong safety Abram Elam.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/05/2010 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/111/CLE |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}}
He made his professional regular season debut in the Cleveland Browns’ season-opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and recorded 11 combined tackles (eight solo) during their 17-14 loss. On October 3, 2010, Ward recorded nine combined tackles during the Browns 23-20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. During the fourth quarter, Ward was penalized for delivering a hit to the head of Bengals’ wide receiver Jordan Shipley. Shipley was carted off the field and was diagnosed with a concussion. On October 6, 2010, the league issued Ward a $15,000 fine for the hit that drew national attention and was widely criticized.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2010 |title=Report: T.J. Ward fined $15K by NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5655099 |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} On November 21, 2010, Ward made five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes during a 24-20 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. Ward made his first career interception off a pass attempt by quarterback David Garrard, that was initially intended for wide receiver Mike Thomas, and returned it for a 16-yard gain during the third quarter.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars - November 21st, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210jax.htm |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 14, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 13-6 loss at the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: T.J. Ward (2010) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/t.j.ward/494323/gamelogs?season=2010 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} He started all 16 games as a rookie in 2010 and recorded 123 combined tackles (95 solo), ten pass deflections, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: T.J. Ward (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/t.j.ward/494323/careerstats |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}
==2011==
On January 4, 2011, the Cleveland Browns announced their decision to fire head coach Eric Mangini after they finished with a 5-11 record in 2010.{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2011 |title=Browns fire coach Eric Mangini |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5984058 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} The Cleveland Browns hired Pat Shurmur as their new head coach and also hired Dick Jauron to replace Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator. Head coach Pat Shurmur named Ward the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Usama Young.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/04/2011 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CLE |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}} In Week 6, Ward collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the Browns’ 24-17 loss at the Oakland Raiders. On October 23, 2011, Ward made seven combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career sack during a 6-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. Ward made his first career sack on Seahawks’ quarterback Charlie Whitehurst for an eight-yard loss in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns - October 23rd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230cle.htm |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On November 6, 2011, Ward sprained his foot during a 30-12 loss at the Houston Texans in Week 9 and was inactive for the next six games (Weeks 10-15). On December 22, 2011, the Cleveland Browns officially placed Ward on injured reserve.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2011 |title=Cleveland Browns Safety T.J. Ward on injured reserve with sprained foot |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/12/cleveland_browns_safety_tj_war_5.html |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Cleveland.com}} He finished the season with 39 combined tackles (28 solo), three pass deflections, and one sack in eight games and eight starts.
==2012==
Ward retained his role as the starting strong safety in 2012 and began the season alongside starting free safety Eric Hagg.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns' first depth chart for 2012 season released |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/08/cleveland_browns_first_depth_c_1.html |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Cleveland.com|date=August 7, 2012 }} In Week 2, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 34-27 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals. On December 18, 2012, the Cleveland Browns placed Ward on injured reserve due to a knee injury.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns: Transactions (2012) |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions/2012 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com}} Ward finished the 2012 NFL season with 68 combined tackles (50 solo), four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception in 15 games and 15 starts. On December 31, 2012, the Cleveland Browns announced their decision to fire head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert after finishing with a 5-11 record.{{Cite web |title=Pat Shurmur, GM ousted by Browns |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8795601/pat-shurmur-gm-tom-heckert-fired-cleveland-browns |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|date=December 31, 2012 }}
File:T.J. Ward training camp.jpg training camp in 2012]]
==2013==
On January 11, 2013, the Cleveland Browns hired Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to be their new head coach.{{Cite web |title=Browns name Rob Chudzinski coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8833956/cleveland-browns-hire-rob-chudzinski-head-coach |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|date=January 11, 2013 }} Defensive coordinator Ray Horton retained Ward as the starting strong safety. Ward started alongside starting free safety Tashaun Gipson.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/04/2013 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/CLE |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}} On October 3, 2013, Ward made five combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for the first touchdown of his career during a 37-24 victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. Ward intercepted a pass thrown by Bills’ quarterback Jeff Tuel, that was intended for wide receiver Robert Woods, and returned it for a 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns - October 3rd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310030cle.htm |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 7, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 31-13 loss at the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: T.J. Ward (2013) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/t.j.ward/494323/gamelogs?season=2013 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} On December 15, 2013, Ward made nine combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown during a 38-31 loss against the Chicago Bears in Week 15. Ward recovered a fumble by Bears’ tight end Martellus Bennett, that was forced by teammate Billy Winn, and returned it for a 51-yard touchdown during the third quarter. He started in all 16 games in 2013 and made 112 combined tackles (75 solo), five pass deflections, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.
=Denver Broncos=
File:T.J.WardBroncos.jpg in 2014]]
On March 11, 2014, Ward signed with the Denver Broncos on a four-year, $23 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |title=Broncos are signing former Browns S TJ Ward, per sources. |url=https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/443493841954668545 |access-date=March 11, 2014 |publisher=Twitter}}{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=March 11, 2014 |title=T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos agree on contract |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/t-j-ward-denver-broncos-agree-on-contract-0ap2000000333087 |access-date=August 3, 2014 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2014 |title=T.J. Ward signs with Broncos as Denver's new strong safety |work=DenverPost.com |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25321575/t-j-ward-signs-broncos-denvers-new-strong-safety |access-date=August 3, 2014}} On December 24, he earned a second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl.
Ward had 61 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended in the 2015 NFL season. The Broncos finished with the #1 defense and a 12-4 record. In the Divisional Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ward recorded four tackles in a 23–16 victory. In the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, Ward had six tackles before having to leave the game with an ankle injury and did not return. The Broncos later went on to win the game 20–18. Ward returned to play in the Broncos 24–10 victory in Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded seven tackles, a pass defended, a fumble recovery, and an interception.{{Cite web |last=Garber |first=Greg |date=February 8, 2016 |title=Best and worst of Super Bowl 50 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14736348/best-worst-super-bowl-50-nfl |access-date=February 8, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Jill |date=February 8, 2016 |title=Super Bowl 2016: Broncos defense dominates as Peyton Manning wins second title |work=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/07/us/super-bowl-50-gameday/ |access-date=February 8, 2016}} Ward received Pro Bowl acknowledgement in the 2015 season but was unable to participate due to playing in the Super Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Dajani |first=Jordan |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Training camp QB competitions: Who has advantage in battles with Buccaneers, Colts, 49ers and Commanders |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/training-camp-qb-competitions-who-has-advantage-in-battles-with-buccaneers-colts-49ers-and-commanders/ |access-date=August 1, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He was ranked 68th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000665064/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-68-T-J-Ward NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 - No. 68 T.J. Ward]
On September 2, 2017, Ward was released by the Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Sessler, Marc |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Broncos release former Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-release-former-pro-bowl-safety-t-j-ward-0ap3000000838739 |website=NFL.com}}{{cite web | last=Sessler | first=Marc | title=Ward: Broncos 'unprofessional' with timing of release | website=NFL.com | date=2017-09-04 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ward-broncos-unprofessional-with-timing-of-release-0ap3000000838950 | access-date=2024-11-02}}
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
On September 3, 2017, Ward signed a one-year deal worth $5 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{cite web | title=Bucs sign T.J. Ward to 1-year deal worth up to $5M | website=NFL.com | date=2017-09-02 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bucs-sign-t-j-ward-to-1-year-deal-worth-up-to-5m-0ap3000000838820 | access-date=2024-11-02}}
=Arizona Cardinals=
On October 1, 2020, Ward was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad after being out of football the previous two seasons.{{Cite web |last=Urban, Darren |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Cardinals Sign Veteran Safety T.J. Ward To Practice Squad |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-sign-veteran-safety-t-j-ward-to-practice-squad |website=AZCardinals.com}} He was released on October 20.{{Cite news |last=Urban, Darren |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Cardinals Activate D.J. Foster To Practice Squad |work=AZCardinals.com |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-activate-d-j-foster-to-practice-squad-t-j-ward-justin-johnson |access-date=November 1, 2020}}
Ward announced his retirement on April 21, 2021.{{Cite news |last=Legwold, Jeff |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Former Broncos Pro Bowler T.J. Ward, part of Denver's 'No Fly Zone' secondary, announces retirement |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31303776/former-broncos-pro-bowler-tj-ward-part-denver-no-fly-zone-secondary-announces-retirement |access-date=April 21, 2021}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|
| Won the Super Bowl |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league |
| Bold
| Career high |
=Regular season=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="5"| Tackles !colspan="5"| Interceptions !colspan="4"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| 2010 | CLE
| 16 || 16 || 123 || 95 || 28 || 0.0 || 4 || 2 || 39 || 0 || 23 || 10 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2011 | CLE
| 8 || 8 || 39 || 28 || 11 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2012 | CLE
| 14 || 14 || 68 || 50 || 18 || 1.0 || 2 || 1 || 37 || 0 || 37 || 4 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 | CLE
| 16 || 16 || 112 || 75 || 37 || 1.5 || 9 || 2 || 57 || 1 || 44 || 5 || 0 || 1 || 51 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 1 | |||||||||||||||
| 2014 | DEN
| 15 || 15 || 74 || 60 || 14 || 2.0 || 6 || 2 || 55 || 0 || 37 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | style="background:#afe6ba;"|DEN
| 12 || 12 || 61 || 50 || 11 || 2.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2016 | DEN
| 14 || 14 || 87 || 69 || 18 || 1.0 || 1 || 1 || 23 || 0 || 23 || 8 || 3 || 2 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2017 | TAM
| 12 || 4 || 43 || 31 || 12 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardT.99.htm Career] | 107 | 99 | 607 | 458 | 149 | 8.5 | 29 | 8 | 211 | 1 | 44 | 44 | 10 | 4 | 53 | 1 |
=Playoffs=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="5"| Tackles !colspan="5"| Interceptions !colspan="4"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| 2014 | DEN
| 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | style="background:#afe6ba;"|DEN
| 3 || 3 || 17 || 9 || 8 || 0.0 || 1 || 1 || -3 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 5 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardT.99.htm Career] | 4 | 4 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Personal life
Ward is the older brother of former Atlanta Falcons running back Terron Ward.{{cite web | last=Cabot | first=Mary Kay | title=It's another missed chance for a game-saving play for T.J. Ward: Browns Insider | website=cleveland | date=2010-11-22 | url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2010/11/its_another_missed_chance_for.html | access-date=2024-11-02}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20141222100744/http://www.tjward43.com/ Official website]
- [http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=529225 Oregon Ducks bio]
{{Browns2010DraftPicks}}
{{Super Bowl 50}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ward, T. J.}}
Category:Players of American football from San Francisco
Category:American football safeties
Category:Oregon Ducks football players
Category:Cleveland Browns players
Category:Denver Broncos players
Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players
Category:De La Salle High School (Concord, California) alumni