Jihad Ward Bio
Jihad Ward is an American professional football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his career, Ward has played for several teams including the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings. He continues to make an impact in the NFL with his versatility and skill on defense.
Early Life and Background
Jihad Ward was born on May 11, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Edward W. Bok Technical High School, where he began playing football in his sophomore year. Initially, he played as a wide receiver and safety before transitioning to a stand-up defensive end during his junior year. His performance earned him second-team All-City honors in 2010 and first-team All-City honors in 2011. In addition to football, he also practiced basketball during his high school years.
Path to American Football
After high school, Jihad Ward attended Globe Institute of Technology for two years to improve his academic standing. In 2013, he played in seven games for the college team, making 26 tackles, including three for a loss, and two sacks. In 2014, he transferred to the University of Illinois, where he became a starter at defensive end. During his college career, he recorded impressive statistics, including 104 tackles and 5.5 sacks over his last two years. His performance in college football set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Jihad Ward Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Jihad Ward was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, being the 44th overall pick. His rookie season saw him finish with 30 tackles in 16 games, with 13 starts. However, his second season was marred by injury, limiting him to just five games. In 2018, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys but was waived shortly after. Later that year, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded three sacks despite playing in only six games due to an ankle injury.
Breakthrough (2019–2023)
In October 2019, Jihad Ward signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he played in 14 games during the 2019 season, contributing one sack. He re-signed with the Ravens in March 2020 and appeared in ten games, recording three sacks and 16 total tackles. In March 2021, he signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played all 17 games and recorded two sacks. His career continued to flourish when he signed with the New York Giants in March 2022, where he played in 17 games, starting 11 and achieving a career-high of 43 tackles and three sacks. He re-signed with the Giants in March 2023, playing all 17 games again and recording five sacks.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Jihad Ward has established himself as a reliable linebacker with significant contributions across multiple teams. His notable achievements include a career-high in tackles and sacks during his tenure with the New York Giants, showcasing his growth and adaptability in the league.
Jihad Ward Award Nominations
Jihad Ward has not received any notable award nominations throughout his professional football career.
Jihad Ward Awards Won
Jihad Ward has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Jihad Ward Family
There is limited publicly available information regarding Jihad Ward’s family background, as he has kept his personal life private.
Personal Life
Jihad Ward is a practicing Muslim. He has expressed that his name, Jihad, which is common in his hometown of Philadelphia, has been misunderstood due to its negative connotations in broader society. He aims to clarify the meaning of his name and its cultural significance.
