PDA

View Full Version : When I was drafted: T.J. Ward's story



Denver Native (Carol)
04-27-2015, 05:22 PM
T.J. Ward remembers when he was drafted and the process leading up to it.


T.J. Ward's story of reaching the NFL followed an unconventional path, balancing unfortunate hurdles with an unbroken focus.

In high school Ward was a member of the dominant De La Salle High School football program that won 151 straight games, but didn't move into the starting lineup until his senior year due to the abundance of talent the team had during those years. In his third game as a starter, however, he injured his knee and was out for the season. Without scouts and recruiters pursuing him, Ward stayed true to a promise with his teammates to stay together in college and decided to attend Oregon and become a walk-on with the football team.

From there he worked his way up the depth chart year by year. According to Oregon's website, he was a scout team defensive player of the week in his redshirt season in 2005; in 2007, he became one of the Ducks' best reserves for the secondary, making an impact on special teams; and then in 2008, he moved into the starting lineup. In his first full season as a starter, he led Oregon in tackles with 101 and was an all-around defensive weapon, breaking up passes and wrapping up opponents behind the line of scrimmage and forcing turnovers.

rest - plus videos - http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/When-I-was-drafted-TJ-Wards-story/516216c8-180c-4d87-9674-2ee9b3bb9c27