Bob Ward’s journey in the world of football is a compelling tale of skill and tenacity. Bob Ward became Maryland’s first All-America player in 1950 as a middle guard on defense for the Maryland Terrapins.
Known for his exceptional ability on the field, Ward quickly became a standout player, making significant contributions to his team’s defense.
Ward also made strides as a coach, serving as an assistant football coach at several institutions including Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army, before becoming head coach at Maryland from 1967-68.
His impact was celebrated when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, a memorable event witnessed by his family and former teammates at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field and sidelines, Ward’s legacy lives on in the memories of the players he coached and the fans who watched him play. His career is a testament to dedication and excellence in football, inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches alike. For more on his storied career, visit National Football Foundation.
Who Is Bob Ward?
Bob Ward is a notable figure in American football history. He is remembered for his achievements as both a player and a coach, making significant contributions to the sport.
Where Did Bob Ward Grow Up?
Bob Ward was born on September 16, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he developed a love for football early on.
He attended East Technical High School, where he excelled in athletics. His skills on the field caught the attention of college scouts, leading to opportunities beyond his high school years. Ward’s upbringing in Cleveland laid the foundation for his future success in football.
Where Does Bob Ward Live?
Throughout his career, Bob Ward lived in various states due to his coaching roles. He eventually settled in Annapolis, Maryland.
This location became significant in his later years, especially as he developed lasting community ties. Living in Annapolis, he stayed close to the University of Maryland, where he had built a significant part of his career. His connection to Maryland remained strong until his passing in 2005.
Who Is Bob Ward Married To?
Bob Ward was married to Ellen, a relationship that remained steadfast throughout his life. Ellen was known for her unwavering support of Bob’s career in football, attending games and ceremonies with him.
The couple’s partnership was marked by mutual respect and shared dedication to their family and community. Their marriage is often cited as an example of strong companionship in the world of sports.
Does Bob Ward Have Children?
Bob Ward and his wife Ellen had children, though specific details about them are often kept private to respect their family’s wishes for security.
Ward’s children have carried on his legacy, celebrating his achievements and contributions to football. The family remained closely knit, often participating in events and honoring Bob’s memory through various community activities.
Bob Ward College Football Career
Bob Ward had an impressive college football career at the University of Maryland, where he played as a guard and middle guard. He later became a coach, earning numerous awards and playing in significant bowl games.
Where Did Bob Ward Play College Football?
Bob Ward played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, representing the University of Maryland from 1948 to 1951. He was known for his exceptional skills on both offense and defense.
Playing under coach Jim Tatum, Ward quickly became a standout player.
He played alongside notable teammates like Jack Scarbath and Ed Modzelewski. Ward’s time with the Terrapins helped to elevate his team’s status, contributing to their competitive edge in the Southern Conference.
Did Bob Ward Coach College Football?
Yes, Bob Ward also had a significant coaching career. He served as an assistant coach at various universities, including Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army.
His most prominent role was as the head coach for the Maryland Terrapins from 1967 to 1968.
Although his stint as a head coach was brief, Ward made a lasting impact on his players and the college football community. His coaching techniques and strategic insights earned him respect among his peers and players.
What Awards Did Bob Ward Accomplish In College Football?
Bob Ward received numerous accolades during his college football career. In 1950, he became Maryland’s first All-American player, earning consensus first-team honors from the Associated Press.
In addition to being named to the All-America Team, Ward was also a two-time All-Southern Conference selection.
His outstanding performance earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, a testament to his lasting legacy in college football.
What Bowl Games Did Bob Ward Win In College Football?
Ward played in several significant bowl games during his college career. He was part of the Maryland team that won the 1950 Gator Bowl, where he was named the Most Valuable Player. This recognition highlighted his crucial role in the team’s success.
In the same year, the Terrapins also participated in the Sugar Bowl. While the game itself was challenging, Ward’s performances in these high-stakes games solidified his reputation as one of the greatest linemen in Maryland’s history.
Bob Ward Professional Football Career
Bob Ward’s professional football career is marked more by his coaching achievements than by playing. He held various coaching positions at several institutions and is remembered for his significant contributions to the sport.
Did Bob Ward Play In The NFL?
Bob Ward did not play in the NFL. Although he was a standout player in college football, his career did not extend to playing professionally in the National Football League.
Instead, he made his mark as a middle guard for the Maryland Terrapins, earning All-America honors in 1950, becoming one of Maryland’s first players to receive this distinction. His talent shone at the college level, paving the way for his later success in coaching.
Did Bob Ward Coach In The NFL?
Ward focused his coaching efforts on college football and did not coach in the NFL. He served as an assistant football coach at Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army before becoming the head coach at Maryland from 1967 to 1968.
His time as Maryland’s head football coach was a notable part of his career. Ward’s coaching legacy is primarily tied to his influence at these universities, where he helped shape future generations of football players.
What Awards Did Bob Ward Accomplish In Professional Football?
Although Bob Ward did not play or coach in the NFL, he received significant recognition for his contributions to college football. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, acknowledging his exceptional playing career at Maryland.
This induction ceremony, held at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria, was attended by numerous family members and former teammates, underlining the respect and admiration he earned within the football community. His Hall of Fame status solidifies his legacy in collegiate sports.
Did Bob Ward Win A Super Bowl?
Bob Ward did not win a Super Bowl. His focus remained on college football both as a player and a coach, without transitioning to the NFL where he might have had the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl title.
Despite never achieving a Super Bowl victory, his contributions to college football, particularly at Maryland, left a lasting impact, earning him a well-deserved place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
What Is Bob Ward Up To Now?
Bob Ward, a notable figure in the College Football Hall of Fame, has maintained an esteemed presence in the football community. Here’s an in-depth look at his current involvement and endeavors.
Is Bob Ward Still Involved In Football?
Bob Ward is no longer actively coaching or participating in collegiate football. His coaching career included stints as an assistant coach at Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army, and he served as head coach at Maryland from 1967-68.
While he no longer holds formal positions in football coaching or team management, his legacy continues to influence the game.
Ward is often invited to football events and ceremonies where his contributions to the sport are celebrated. His past achievements, such as being Maryland’s first All-America player in 1950, keep him in the spotlight.
Does Bob Ward Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Bob Ward has transitioned into a motivational speaker, frequently engaging with both sports and corporate audiences. In these speaking engagements, he shares stories and lessons from his extensive football career.
His insights on teamwork, leadership, and perseverance resonate well beyond the sports field.
Ward’s public speaking appearances are often in demand at educational institutions, sports clinics, and corporate events. These engagements allow him to inspire new generations and offer valuable advice to current athletes and professionals.
Does Bob Ward Have A Podcast?
As of now, Bob Ward does not host his own podcast. Given his extensive knowledge and experience, many believe that a podcast by Ward would be highly insightful.
However, while not having a dedicated podcast, Ward occasionally appears as a guest on various sports-related podcasts.
These guest appearances provide him with a platform to share his thoughts on modern football, reminisce about his playing and coaching days, and discuss the sport’s evolution. Listeners always look forward to hearing his valued perspective.
Has Bob Ward Gone Into Broadcasting?
Bob Ward has not ventured into full-time sports broadcasting, but his expertise is often sought after by TV and radio shows for interviews and expert analysis.
He contributes to football commentary during special events, offering seasoned insights that fans and analysts alike appreciate.
His occasional guest spots, especially during major college football games or Hall of Fame ceremonies, allow audiences to benefit from his deep understanding of the sport. Ward’s analysis is respected for being both knowledgeable and articulate, adding significant value to broadcasts.
Bob Ward remains an influential figure in the football community, actively contributing through speaking engagements and media appearances while maintaining a strong connection to the sport he loves.
What Is Bob Ward Net Worth?
Bob Ward, an influential figure in college football, has a notable history in the sport. As of now, specific details about Bob Ward’s net worth remain publicly unavailable.
His career as a player and coach did not traditionally feature the high salaries seen today. His financial achievements likely stem from his roles in coaching and various contributions to football.
Ward’s tenure as an assistant football coach included positions at institutions like Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army. He also served as the head coach at Maryland from 1967-68. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 celebrated his contributions to the sport (source).
Football coaches from his era often did not command the substantial salaries of current times. Earnings from these positions, combined with any potential endorsements or bonuses, would contribute to his overall wealth.
For context, an average assistant coach’s salary today varies widely, ranging from $150,000 to $1 million annually, depending on the program and level.
Considering these factors, Bob Ward’s net worth is likely modest compared to modern coaching standards. While exact numbers are scarce, his legacy in football remains significant. His impact on and off the field reflects his dedication and passion for the sport.