Former Oregon star safety TJ Ward retires after impressive NFL career

Former Oregon safety TJ Ward played in Super Bowl 50 in a win for the Broncos and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He played for four teams in his 10-year career in the NFL.

In his first four seasons in the league, Ward was able to prove his worth as a starter on defense. He worked his way through several coaching changes with the Browns. After four seasons with the team, he leveraged a new deal with the Denver Broncos where he helped solidify a Super Bowl-winning defense.

In his best season with the Broncos in 2015, Ward finished the year with 61 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended. In his first season with Denver in 2014, he earned his second consecutive bid to the Pro Bowl.

In September 2017, Ward was released by the Broncos.

He was then signed by the Buccaneers on a one-year deal. He never saw the field. Ward was then out of football for two seasons before resurfacing on the practice squad for the Arizona Cardinals. He signed on Oct. 1, 2020, and announced his NFL retirement on Wednesday.

TJ Ward had to wait for his moment with Oregon

Ward had to wait for his time to be a starter for Oregon football, however. He finally got the opportunity during his senior season. He took that experience and turned it into a solid career in the NFL. During his time with the Broncos, he helped to lead a key defensive effort over a two-year span along with Aqib Talib and Darrian Stewart; the team had a ‘No Fly Zone’ secondary that saw players like Ward excel.

In 2014, he finished with 74 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions.

Ward played an impressive 10-year career in the National Football League. He was able to work his way to the starting lineup in some coaching change situations that ultimately saw him excel and win a Super Bowl with the Broncos.