Jim Ballard stands out in the football community as a significant figure who carved his name into history by not only excelling as a quarterback but also collecting a series of accolades that led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Ballard’s journey began at Wilmington College before transferring to Mount Union College, where he left a remarkable legacy.
At Mount Union, Ballard broke numerous records and was instrumental in leading the team to their first NCAA Division III title in 1993.
His stellar performance earned him the 1993 Joe Fogg Award, given to the top collegiate player in all divisions in the Midwest.
His overall contributions to the sport, capped by a 2008 induction into the Hall of Fame, solidify his status as one of the greats.
His professional career spanned the NFL, CFL, and even NFL Europe, where he led the Scottish Claymores to a World Bowl title.
Beyond the field, Ballard’s influence continues as he currently serves as the commissioner of the Continental Indoor Football League, engaging younger talents and contributing to the sport’s growth.
Jim Ballard’s career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and lasting impact on football.
Who Is Jim Ballard?
Jim Ballard is a celebrated former quarterback known for his impressive college and professional football career. He has made significant contributions both on the field and as a leader in various football organizations.
Where Did Jim Ballard Grow Up?
Jim Ballard was born on April 16, 1972, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He attended Cuyahoga Falls High School, where he displayed an early talent for football.
His high school years laid the foundation for his future success in college and professional football.
He later transferred from Wilmington College in Ohio to Mount Union College. At Mount Union, he broke numerous records and helped the team achieve significant victories, including their first Division III National Championship in 1993.
Where Does Jim Ballard Live?
Jim Ballard currently resides in the United States. After retiring from professional football, he has remained active in the football community. He serves as the commissioner of the Continental Indoor Football League, contributing to the sport in leadership and administrative capacities.
He remains connected to his roots in Ohio, where he began his football journey, and continues to be involved in various local and national football activities.
Who Is Jim Ballard Married To?
Information about Jim Ballard’s marital status is not widely available in public sources. He tends to keep his personal life private, focusing more on his football career and contributions to the sport.
Although details about his spouse are not well-documented, it is known that he values his family life, which has provided him with support throughout his career.
Does Jim Ballard Have Children?
Jim Ballard has a son, whose details are also kept relatively private. Jim’s commitment to his family is evident in the way he balances his professional and personal life.
He has mentioned the importance of family support in his career achievements.
His son likely shares his love for football, given Jim’s dedication to the sport and his involvement in various football organizations and activities.
Jim Ballard College Football Career
Jim Ballard’s college football career was highlighted by his record-breaking performances and leadership in leading Mount Union to significant victories. He earned multiple awards and honors while setting numerous records.
Where Did Jim Ballard Play College Football?
Jim Ballard began his college football career at Wilmington College, Ohio. He later transferred to Mount Union College, where he had a standout career as a quarterback.
At Mount Union, Ballard led the Purple Raiders to their first Division III National Championship in 1993. He became an integral part of the football team, setting records in both passing yards and touchdowns. His contribution to Mount Union’s success was a game-changer for the college.
Did Jim Ballard Coach College Football?
Jim Ballard did not pursue a career in coaching college football after his playing days. Instead, he transitioned into various professional leagues, including the NFL, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football League.
His impact remained significant in the football community as he served in other capacities, like his role as the commissioner of the Continental Indoor Football League. His knowledge and experience continued to influence the sport, even beyond his playing career.
What Awards Did Jim Ballard Accomplish in College Football?
Jim Ballard achieved numerous honors during his college football career. He was awarded the Melberger Award as Division III’s Player of the Year. Additionally, he won the Joe Fogg Award given to the top collegiate player in all divisions in the Midwest.
Ballard was named an All-American and set numerous school and NCAA records. His performance earned him recognition as one of the best players at Mount Union College, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, marking a fitting culmination of his outstanding college career.
What Bowl Games Did Jim Ballard Win in College Football?
Jim Ballard led Mount Union to victory in the 1993 Division III National Championship, a significant milestone for the college. This win marked the first national title for the Purple Raiders and cemented Ballard’s legacy at Mount Union.
His leadership and exceptional playing ability helped the team secure the national championship, and his performances in bowl games are still remembered by fans and alumni. The 1993 championship remains a highlight of Ballard’s college football career, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory.
Jim Ballard Professional Football Career
Jim Ballard had a diverse and extensive professional football career, playing in multiple leagues and achieving significant milestones. His ten-year journey includes experiences in the NFL, NFL Europe, and the Arena Football League, among others.
Did Jim Ballard Play In The NFL?
Jim Ballard did play in the NFL. He signed with the Buffalo Bills but did not see much game action. Ballard’s NFL career was modest and brief compared to his time in other leagues. Apart from the Bills, he also had stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, although those were primarily during preseason periods.
Teams:
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
Leagues:
- NFL
Did Jim Ballard Coach In The NFL?
Jim Ballard did not have a notable coaching career in the NFL. His professional endeavors post-playing career have been more focused outside of the NFL. Instead of coaching, Ballard ventured into commissioner roles and other football-related activities. His experience and knowledge of the game did shape his post-playing life as a mentor and leader in various football communities.
What Awards Did Jim Ballard Accomplish In Professional Football?
Jim Ballard amassed several awards during his professional career. He led the Scottish Claymores to an NFL Europe World Bowl title in 1996. This was one of his notable accomplishments in professional football. Additionally, Ballard was inducted into the Scottish Claymores Hall of Fame in 2001. These accolades reflect Ballard’s ability to excel in different football environments.
Notable Awards:
- NFL Europe World Bowl Champion (1996)
- Scottish Claymores Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
Did Jim Ballard Win A Super Bowl?
Jim Ballard did not win a Super Bowl during his NFL career. His time in the NFL did not include significant playoff runs or appearances in the Super Bowl. Most of his notable successes and championships came from his time in NFL Europe and other leagues. His achievement with the Scottish Claymores remains a highlight of his professional playing career.
Key Points:
- No Super Bowl titles
- Significant achievements in NFL Europe
What Is Jim Ballard Up To Now?
Jim Ballard, a College Football Hall of Famer, remains deeply involved in the game even after his playing days. He actively contributes to the sport through coaching and private engagements while also exploring media opportunities.
Is Jim Ballard Still Involved In Football?
Jim Ballard continues to play a significant role in football by running the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy. At the academy, he trains aspiring quarterbacks, focusing on improving their technical skills and strategic understanding of the game.
Ballard also participates in various football camps and clinics, often associated with USA Football. These initiatives help young players develop their abilities and confidence. His ongoing engagement in coaching highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent.
Does Jim Ballard Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Jim Ballard frequently participates in private speaking engagements. He speaks at sports banquets, high school assemblies, and youth football events. His talks often cover topics such as leadership, overcoming adversity, and the importance of teamwork.
Ballard leverages his experiences as an All-American quarterback and Hall of Famer to inspire and motivate audiences. These engagements allow him to share his journey and the lessons he has learned both on and off the field. His storytelling ability makes him a sought-after speaker for various events.
Does Jim Ballard Have A Podcast?
As of now, Jim Ballard has not launched his own podcast. Despite his active involvement in football and media, he hasn’t ventured into podcasting. However, he has appeared as a guest on various sports podcasts.
These guest appearances allow him to share his expertise and insights about quarterback play, college football, and his life experiences. While he does not host a regular show, his contributions to existing podcasts are highly valued by listeners interested in football.
Has Jim Ballard Gone Into Broadcasting?
Jim Ballard has explored opportunities in broadcasting. He occasionally provides color commentary for college football games, sharing his expert analysis with viewers. His experience as a former quarterback offers unique insights into game strategies and player performance.
Although his primary focus remains on coaching and training, broadcasting allows him to stay connected to the sport in a different capacity. Ballard’s knowledge and ability to communicate effectively make him a valuable asset in the sports media landscape.
What Is Jim Ballard Net Worth?
Jim Ballard, who is well-known for his impressive career in football, has an estimated net worth of around $1 million to $5 million. This estimate is based on his earnings from his professional football career, roles as a coach, and other business ventures.
Ballard’s income sources include:
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Professional Football: He played in various leagues such as the NFL, CFL, NFL Europe, and Arena Football. Details about his career can be found on Football Foundation.
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Coaching: He founded the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy, which provides training for aspiring quarterbacks. More information is available on USA Football.
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Endorsements and Other Ventures: Ballard may also earn from endorsements, public appearances, and other business activities.
Earnings Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Contribution |
|---|---|
| Professional Football | $100,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Quarterback Academy | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Endorsements and Other Ventures | $50,000 – $200,000 |
Jim Ballard’s career highlights his versatility and resilience.
His success both on and off the field contributes significantly to his net worth.