Jihad Ward Bio
Jihad Ward is an American professional football linebacker who plays for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 ft 5 in and listed around 285 lb, he has built a long professional career as a versatile defensive player since entering the league in 2016.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ward 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 the years, he has also suited up for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings before joining Tennessee.
Early Life and Background
Jihad Ward was born on May 11, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. He grew up in the city and attended Edward W. Bok Technical High School, where he did not begin playing football until his sophomore year. His first positions were wide receiver and safety before coaches moved him to stand-up defensive end as a junior.
During his high school career, Ward earned second-team All-City honors in 2010 and first-team All-City recognition in 2011. He also practiced basketball, showing the athletic background that would later help him develop into a multi-position defensive player at the college and professional levels.
Path to American Football
After high school, Ward attended Globe Institute of Technology, often called Globe Tech, for two years to improve his academic standing. In 2013, he played in seven games at Globe Tech, recording 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks, which helped attract attention from larger college programs.
In 2014, Ward transferred to the University of Illinois, where he became a starter at defensive end by the fourth game of the season. As a junior, he posted 51 tackles, three sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and one pass defended. As a senior in 2015, he started all 12 games at defensive end and defensive tackle, recording 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, including a career-high 11 tackles against Iowa. Over his final two college seasons, he totaled 104 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defensed.
Jihad Ward Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
The Oakland Raiders selected Jihad Ward in the second round, 44th overall, of the 2016 NFL draft after he dropped because of a knee injury expected to require arthroscopic surgery. As a rookie, he played in all 16 games with 13 starts and finished with 30 tackles, serving mostly as an edge presence in the Raiders’ defensive rotation.
On July 6, 2017, Ward underwent surgery on his left foot after injuring it during a workout, keeping him out until mid-August. The injury limited him throughout the 2017 season, as he appeared in only five games and was declared inactive for ten contests, before Oakland eventually moved on from him.
Oakland Raiders Era (2016–2017)
Ward’s Raiders tenure defined his early professional identity as a developmental edge rusher with athletic upside. He contributed on special teams and in sub-packages while adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL schemes, learning under a veteran coaching staff that emphasized gap discipline and hand technique.
Despite the foot setback in 2017, his rookie production gave the Raiders hope that he could grow into a larger role. The organization ultimately decided to trade him in the spring of 2018, opening the next chapter of his career in the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2018)
On April 28, 2018, the Oakland Raiders traded Jihad Ward to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Ryan Switzer. The reunion carried meaning because Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli had coached Ward at the 2016 Senior Bowl, which helped Dallas feel comfortable bringing him into its 4–3 system.
Ward’s time in Dallas was brief, however. On September 1, 2018, the Cowboys waived him during final roster cuts, sending him back onto the open market just before the regular season began.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2018–2019)
On September 3, 2018, the Indianapolis Colts signed Ward to their practice squad, then promoted him to the active roster on September 13, 2018. He recorded three sacks in only six games before an ankle injury sent him to injured reserve on October 26, 2018, limiting his first full season in Indianapolis.
Ward’s Colts tenure continued into 2019 but ended on October 1, 2019, when the team released him. Even in a short stint, he had shown flashes as an interior pass rusher that kept him on the radar of teams searching for defensive line help.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2019–2020)
On October 7, 2019, Ward signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he appeared in 14 games and recorded one sack during the 2019 season. He re-signed with the Ravens on March 21, 2020, but his season was interrupted when the team placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 26, 2020, before activating him on December 5, 2020.
In 2020, Ward played ten games and produced three sacks, 16 total tackles, and two passes defended. His versatility along the defensive front made him a useful rotational piece in Baltimore’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021)
On March 17, 2021, Ward signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his first free-agent deal as a veteran. He rewarded the Jaguars with his most complete season to that point, appearing in all 17 games with one start.
That year, Ward recorded two sacks and 32 total tackles, ten of which were solo stops. The campaign established him as a reliable depth defender capable of playing across multiple positions along the line.
New York Giants Era (2022–2023)
On March 21, 2022, Ward signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants, where he delivered his most productive statistical season. Playing in 17 games with 11 starts, he set a career high with 43 tackles and added three sacks, becoming a consistent presence on early downs.
Ward re-signed with the Giants on March 29, 2023, and appeared in all 17 games with nine starts. He set another career high with five sacks, confirming his growth as an interior pass rusher and finishing tackle in New York’s defensive front.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024)
On March 20, 2024, Ward signed with the Minnesota Vikings, joining a deep and talented defensive line room. He finished the 2024 season with one sack, ten tackles, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery in a rotational role.
Although his counting stats in Minnesota were modest, Ward contributed as a veteran presence and situational pass rusher. His year with the Vikings prepared him for another free-agent move the following offseason.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On July 24, 2025, Ward signed with the Tennessee Titans, marking his eighth NFL team. In his first season in Tennessee, he produced five sacks, 31 total tackles with 15 solo stops, and four passes defended, quickly becoming a factor on the defensive front.
Ward’s combination of size, length, and experience gives the Titans flexibility to deploy him at multiple linebacker and edge positions. He is expected to remain a key rotational defender as he continues his career in Nashville.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ward’s career milestones include his 2016 second-round selection by the Raiders, career-high 43 tackles with the Giants in 2022, and a career-high five sacks with New York in 2023. His signing with Tennessee in 2025 extended a streak of eight NFL teams, an unusual level of movement that reflects his adaptability across defensive schemes.
Jihad Ward Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Jihad Ward has produced 199 total tackles, 24 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 12 pass deflections through the 2025 season. He has not been publicly listed as a major individual award winner, but his production as a rotational pass rusher and run defender has been steady. Below are series-by-series highlights of his most clearly documented performances.
Tennessee Titans Highlights
In his first season with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, Ward posted five sacks, 31 total tackles, and four passes defended, immediately ranking among the team’s most productive edge defenders. His ability to line up at multiple positions has made him a staple of the Titans’ front seven rotation.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond Tennessee, Ward recorded a career-high 43 tackles and three sacks with the New York Giants in 2022, then set a new personal best with five sacks in 2023. He also notched three sacks in only six games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 and added three sacks for the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, underscoring his consistency as a pass-rushing presence.
Jihad Ward Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public biographical sources do not provide verified details about Jihad Ward’s parents or extended family. His upbringing in Philadelphia shaped his football journey, but specific information about siblings or relatives in sports has not been officially confirmed.
Personal Life
Jihad Ward is Muslim and has spoken openly about how his name has been misunderstood due to negative public associations with the term. He has explained that Jihad is a common name where he grew up in Philadelphia and has expressed a desire to share a more accurate understanding of its meaning. Verified details about a spouse or children have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Jihad Ward’s 2025 campaign with the Tennessee Titans represented one of the most productive stretches of his career. After signing on July 24, 2025, he delivered five sacks, 31 total tackles with 15 solo stops, and four passes defended across the season, providing the Titans with reliable edge production.
His role in Tennessee’s defensive scheme allowed him to line up at both outside linebacker and interior spots, exploiting matchups against offensive tackles and guards. The veteran presence he brought helped stabilize a defensive front that relied on his instincts and physicality.
Looking ahead, Ward is expected to remain a key rotational defender for the Titans as he continues to add to his career totals of 24 sacks and 199 tackles. His durability and positional versatility suggest he will be in line for continued opportunities in the Titans’ pass-rushing plans.
