Jihad Ward

Jihad Ward Bio

Jihad Ward is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 11, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ward has built a resilient NFL career spanning over nine seasons. He played college football at the University of Illinois after transferring from Globe Institute of Technology. The Oakland Raiders selected Ward in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Ward has demonstrated versatility along the defensive line, contributing for multiple franchises including the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2025. His career has been marked by persistence and adaptability, finding roles with various teams as both a defensive end and linebacker.

Early Life and Background

Jihad Ward grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended Edward W. Bok Technical High School. Unlike many future NFL players who begin playing football at a young age, Ward did not start playing the sport until his sophomore year of high school. He initially played as a wide receiver and safety before being converted into a stand-up defensive end during his junior year. This late start to organized football would become a notable part of his developmental journey.

Despite his late start, Ward quickly made an impact at Bok Technical High School. He earned second-team All-City honors in 2010 and followed that with first-team All-City recognition in 2011. Beyond football, Ward also practiced basketball during high school, showcasing his athletic versatility. His progression from a newcomer to an All-City performer demonstrated the potential that would eventually earn him opportunities at the collegiate level.

Path to American Football

After graduating from high school, Ward initially attended Globe Institute of Technology in 2012. He spent two years at the institution working to improve his academic standing while continuing to develop as a football player. In 2013, he played in seven games, recording 26 tackles including three for loss and two sacks, demonstrating his emerging defensive capabilities.

Ward transferred to the University of Illinois in 2014, where he began to establish himself as a legitimate NFL prospect. He was named a starter at defensive end in the fourth game of the 2014 season and went on to post 51 tackles, three sacks, four fumble recoveries (which led the conference), two forced fumbles, and one pass defended. As a senior in 2015, he started all 12 games, playing both defensive end and defensive tackle positions. He registered 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Against the University of Iowa, he recorded a career-high 11 tackles including nine solo stops. Over his final two seasons at Illinois, Ward accumulated 104 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defensed.

Coming out of college, most analysts projected Ward as a second or third-round selection. Scouts recognized his above-average athletic ability for his size, noting he could play both end spots in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense and had the size to shift inside to defensive tackle. He was seen as a developmental project who would need refinement in his technique and power, but his athletic profile generated significant interest at the 2016 NFL Draft.

Jihad Ward Career

Oakland Raiders (2016-2017)

Ward was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He dropped in the draft due to concerns about a knee injury that was expected to require arthroscopic surgery. Despite falling slightly from initial projections, the Raiders saw enough potential to invest a second-round pick in him. Ward did not participate extensively in organized team activities during his rookie offseason. He finished his rookie season with 30 tackles in 16 games, earning 13 starts along the defensive line.

The 2017 season proved challenging for Ward. On July 6, 2017, it was revealed he had undergone surgery on his left foot after injuring it during a workout. The injury sidelined him until mid-August and limited his production throughout the season. He appeared in only five games that year and was declared inactive for ten contests, a significant decline from his rookie-year contributions.

Indianapolis Colts (2018-2019)

On April 28, 2018, the Raiders traded Ward to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Ryan Switzer. However, his time with the Cowboys was brief. On September 1, 2018, the Cowboys waived Ward during final roster cuts. The Indianapolis Colts signed him to their practice squad shortly after on September 3, 2018. The team promoted him to the active roster on September 13, 2018. Though he was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2018, with an ankle injury, Ward made an impact in limited action, recording three sacks across six games. He was released by the Colts on October 1, 2019.

Baltimore Ravens (2019-2020)

The Baltimore Ravens signed Ward on October 7, 2019. In the 2019 season, he appeared in 14 games and recorded one sack. On March 21, 2020, Ward re-signed with the Ravens. During the 2020 season, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 26, 2020, and activated on December 5, 2020. He appeared in ten games, recording three sacks, 16 total tackles, and two passes defensed. His time in Baltimore showed consistency in his ability to contribute across multiple seasons.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)

On March 17, 2021, Ward signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move to Jacksonville represented an opportunity for increased playing time. Ward appeared in all 17 games and started one, recording two sacks and 32 total tackles (10 solo). His durability was evident as he played every game that season.

New York Giants (2022-2023)

Ward signed with the New York Giants on March 21, 2022, on a one-year contract. The 2022 season became one of his most productive. He played in 17 games with 11 starts, recording a career-high 43 tackles and three sacks. His performance earned him a return to the Giants, as he re-signed with the team on March 29, 2023. In the 2023 season, Ward played in all 17 games with nine starts, recording a career-high five sacks. His back-to-back seasons with the Giants demonstrated his continued development as a pass rusher.

Minnesota Vikings (2024)

On March 20, 2024, Ward signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The 2024 season saw him record one sack, ten tackles, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery. While his statistical output was more limited than his Giants tenure, he continued to provide veteran depth along the defensive line.

Tennessee Titans Era (2025-Present)

On July 24, 2025, Ward signed with the Tennessee Titans, continuing his NFL journey with his eighth franchise. The signing represented a new chapter for the veteran defender. Throughout his career, Ward has proven his ability to adapt to different defensive systems and contribute when called upon, making him a valuable veteran presence for teams seeking experienced depth.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ward brings positional versatility to every defense he joins. He has demonstrated the ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle across multiple schemes, including 3-4 and 4-3 alignments. His size (6-foot-5, 285 pounds) allows him to anchor against the run while also possessing the athletic ability to pressure the quarterback. Over his career, he has shown improvement as a pass rusher, recording his career-high single-season sack totals during his time with the Giants. His experience across eight different franchises has given him a unique understanding of various defensive philosophies and locker room cultures.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Ward has achieved several notable milestones. His selection in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft marked the beginning of his professional journey. During his time with the Giants from 2022-2023, he set single-season career highs in both tackles (43 in 2022) and sacks (5 in 2023). His durability has been a hallmark, having played all 17 games in multiple seasons. The transition from the East Coast to the Midwest and now to Tennessee represents the extensive journey he has taken through the NFL.

Jihad Ward Career Statistics

Across nine NFL seasons, Ward has established himself as a reliable contributor along the defensive line. His career statistics reflect a player who has made consistent contributions in both run defense and pass rush situations.

NFL Career Highlights

Ward has accumulated 199 career total tackles, 24 career sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 12 pass deflections. His 24 career sacks demonstrate his effectiveness as a pass rusher, with his most productive season coming in 2023 when he recorded five sacks for the Giants. His 199 total tackles show his consistent involvement in run defense throughout his career. The three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries highlight his ability to create turnovers, an essential skill for any defensive player.

Jihad Ward Personal Life

Background and Faith

Ward is Muslim and has spoken openly about his faith. He has discussed how his name, Jihad, which is popular in the Philadelphia community where he grew up, has been misunderstood due to negative connotations associated with the term in Western media. The name, which generally means struggle or striving in Arabic, has been incorrectly linked by some to Islamic violence against non-Muslims. Ward has worked to educate others about the true meaning of his name and the diversity of interpretations within Islamic tradition.

Life Beyond Football

As a veteran player who has played for eight different franchises, Ward has developed a reputation for adaptability and professionalism. His ability to earn roster spots and playing time across such a wide range of organizations speaks to both his football skills and his character. He has become a resource for younger players navigating the challenges of professional football, drawing on his extensive experience in multiple defensive systems and team cultures.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a new beginning for Ward with the Tennessee Titans. Joining the franchise in July 2025, he had time to integrate into the defensive scheme before the regular season began. Ward appeared in every game for the Titans during the 2025 season, demonstrating the same durability that has characterized his career. He recorded five sacks, 31 total tackles (15 solo), and four passes defended. His sack total represented a solid contribution to the Titans defense, showing he could still be an effective pass rusher in his tenth NFL season. The Titans valued his veteran experience and versatility along the defensive line, providing young players with guidance while contributing on the field. His performance in 2025 demonstrated that even after nearly a decade in the league, Ward remains a capable and productive NFL player.