Eric Boggs
Chris Ward’s illustrious college football career almost never began, had he listened to his mother’s initial fears. When 11-year-old Ward expressed his desire to play football, his mother hesitated, concerned about potential injuries. However, Ward, determined to pursue his passion, convinced his father to sign the permission slip. His father, in turn, reassured his mother by highlighting Ward’s potential to excel rather than get hurt.
Ward reminisced about that pivotal moment: “My father said to my mother, ‘Look at him. He’s 11 years old. Do you see your son?’ She said, ‘Yes, I see him.’ He replied, ‘You should be more concerned about him hurting the other kids.’ From that point on, we never looked back.”
Ward’s determination and physical prowess, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 290 pounds with the ability to run a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, paved the way for him to become one of Ohio State’s finest offensive tackles. A two-time first-team All-American and three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree, Ward’s excellence on the field earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024. This honor, which he had anticipated for years, finally materialized after seven nominations.
Ward recalled the roller-coaster of emotions over the years, receiving congratulatory calls that turned out to be just nominations. “I finally decided that when it happens, it’ll happen. I hoped I would still be in good health to appreciate it. And it did happen,” Ward shared at the Big Ten Media Days. He becomes the 28th former Ohio State football player to join the College Football Hall of Fame, a recognition he considers a “great honor.”
After his seven-year NFL career, Ward pursued a path as an ordained minister, among other endeavors. He credits his success to both his physical gifts and the motivation derived from doubters during his youth. One such moment came from a peewee baseball coach who dismissed him as a “big, fat slob,” spurring Ward to train harder. “I started lifting weights and running five miles every morning. By the time I left high school, I had my pick of schools,” Ward recounted.
Ward’s faith in his abilities was unwavering. Despite his humble demeanor, he always believed he was the best offensive lineman in the country. “Great athletes must believe in their greatness,” Ward emphasized. “Even if they don’t say it out loud, that belief fuels their performance.”
Reflecting on his Ohio State career, Ward cherishes the relationships he built and the victories over Michigan as a freshman and sophomore. His favorite moments involved blocking for fullback Pete Johnson’s touchdowns. Yet, the missed national championships still linger in his mind. “We had the potential to win three consecutive national championships,” Ward lamented, believing his teams were among Ohio State’s greatest despite the lack of national titles.
As he continues to support the Buckeyes, Ward hopes to see the current Ohio State team achieve the national championship that eluded him. After hearing Coach Ryan Day speak at the Big Ten Media Days, Ward believes in Day’s leadership. He emphasizes the importance of a strong offensive line, advising, “Dominate the three yards in front of you. If you find five linemen who can do that, you win.”
Ward’s legacy at Ohio State is a testament to his belief in hard work, self-confidence, and the enduring spirit of a Buckeye. As he looks forward to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, Ward remains an inspirational figure for Ohio State fans, embodying the excellence and resilience that define Buckeye football.
