Alex Ward Bio
Alex Ward is an American professional football long snapper who has played at the highest level of the sport in the National Football League. Born on April 24, 1999, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ward established himself as a reliable specialist during his college career at the University of Central Florida before beginning his professional journey in 2023. He was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent and quickly earned a roster spot, contributing to the team’s special teams units through his precise snapping ability.
Early Life and Background
Ward grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he attended Choctawhatchee High School. During his high school years, he developed his skills as a long snapper, laying the foundation for his future career in football. His performance at the high school level caught the attention of college recruiters, ultimately leading him to pursue opportunities at the collegiate program at the University of Central Florida.
Path to Professional Football
After high school, Ward joined the UCF Knights football program, where he redshirted his true freshman year. He spent his redshirt freshman season working as a backup long snapper, continuing to refine his technique and build his understanding of the game at the collegiate level. His dedication and consistent performance eventually earned him a more prominent role within the special teams unit.
During his redshirt senior season, Ward emerged as one of the top long snappers in the country, earning recognition as a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, which honors the best long snapper in college football. Due to the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward returned to UCF for a sixth season. He continued his strong play and was again named a finalist for the Mannelly Award, demonstrating his consistency and reliability throughout his college career. Over the course of his time at UCF, Ward played in 47 games, showcasing his durability and commitment to the sport.
Following the conclusion of his college career, Ward continued to stay involved in football by participating in postseason all-star games. He played in the 2023 Senior Bowl and the 2023 Hula Bowl, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and coaches. His performance in these exhibitions helped him catch the attention of professional teams.
Alex Ward Career
Los Angeles Rams (2023–2025)
Ward was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023, shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft. This opportunity allowed him to continue his football career at the professional level despite going undrafted. His journey with the Rams began with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the offseason program and training camp.
On August 29, 2023, the Rams announced that Ward had made the initial 53-man roster, officially marking his transition to the NFL. During his rookie season, Ward played in 13 games, contributing to the special teams units and gaining valuable experience in professional football. His ability to consistently deliver accurate snaps proved valuable to the team’s kicking operation.
The 2024 season saw Ward become a more integral part of the Rams’ special teams. He participated in all 17 regular season games, demonstrating his reliability and durability throughout a full NFL season. His consistent performance helped maintain stability in the Rams’ special teams unit, which is essential for field goal and punt operations.
2025 Season and Transition
During the 2025 season, the Rams’ placekicking operation faced numerous challenges with several blocked and missed kicks that proved costly in early season losses. Ward handled snapping duties in the team’s first eight games before being replaced as long snapper by veteran Jake McQuaide starting with the Rams’ Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers. One day after that game, on November 10, 2025, Ward was released by the Rams, bringing his tenure with the organization to an end.
Las Vegas Raiders (2026–Present)
Following his release from the Rams, Ward continued his professional career in football. On January 21, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, joining another NFL franchise and continuing his journey as a professional long snapper. This opportunity allowed him to compete for a spot on the Raiders’ roster and continue contributing to a new team’s special teams units.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a long snapper, Ward’s primary responsibilities involve delivering precise snaps to the punter or holder on punts and field goal attempts. His strengths lie in his consistency, accuracy, and reliability under pressure. Long snappers must possess the ability to deliver the ball quickly and accurately while maintaining proper technique, and Ward demonstrated these qualities throughout his college and professional career. His experience at UCF, including multiple seasons as a starter and award finalist, provided him with the foundation needed to compete at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ward achieved a significant milestone by making the Rams’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2023. This accomplishment reflects his determination and ability to overcome the challenges of going undrafted while competing against other experienced long snappers for a roster spot. Additionally, his selection as a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award twice during his college career at UCF highlights his status as one of the top long snappers at the collegiate level.
Alex Ward Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career through the 2025 season, Ward has demonstrated durability and reliability, appearing in a significant number of games while contributing primarily as a special teams player.
Professional Career Summary
Ward played 38 games across his seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, accumulating 2 tackles during his professional career. He appeared in 13 games during the 2023 season and all 17 games in 2024, showcasing his ability to maintain his roster spot through consistent performance. His transition to the Las Vegas Raiders in early 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Los Angeles Rams | 13 | 2 |
| 2024 | Los Angeles Rams | 17 | 0 |
Alex Ward College Honors and Achievements
Before launching his professional career, Ward achieved notable success at the collegiate level. He was recognized as the Colley Matrix national champion in 2017, highlighting his exceptional performance during his high school career that preceded his college years. At UCF, he established himself as one of the premier long snappers in college football.
His selection as a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award twice during his senior seasons represents the pinnacle of collegiate achievement for a long snapper. This honor placed him among the elite players at his position nationwide and validated the hard work and dedication he demonstrated throughout his college career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Ward with the Los Angeles Rams. Despite handling snapping duties in the first eight games of the season, he faced increased scrutiny due to the team’s struggles with blocked and missed kicks that contributed to early season losses. The Rams’ special teams unit experienced inconsistency during this period, leading to roster adjustments.
Ward was ultimately replaced by veteran Jake McQuaide and released on November 10, 2025, bringing his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the Rams to a close. While his release marked a difficult moment, his ability to appear in 38 career games demonstrates that he established himself as a viable NFL long snapper during his time in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, Ward’s signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in January 2026 provides him with a fresh opportunity to continue his professional career. His experience, durability, and proven ability to compete at the NFL level position him well for whatever challenges await with his new team.