1978 Profile: Chris Ward

Offensive Tackle

1st Round

Ohio State

Chris was a consensus first-team All-American in 1976 and 1977, and All-Big Ten for three straight seasons. During the Heisman Trophy ceremonies, the Downtown Athletic Club named him Offensive Lineman of the Year. A four-year letterman and three-year starter, Ward played 1,049 minutes in 44 games, the most of any player in Buckeye history.

"The best offensive tackle coming out of college may be Chris Ward, Ohio State, 6-4, 275, who has surprising speed to go with his great size."

-Larry Bortstein, from Top Prospects for the '78 Draft, May-June 1978 Football Digest

"Tremendous strength and quickness. 'Chris was by far the best offensive lineman in the country last year,' says Jets coach Walt Michaels. Consensus first-team All-America in 1976 and 1977 and first-team All-Big Ten three straight seasons. Played 1,049 minutes in 44 games, the most of any player in Buckeye history.

Must work on pass blocking, something linemen don't do much of at Ohio State. 'Chris has the finest work habits of any player I've coached at Ohio State,' says Woody Hayes.

When teamed with Marvin Powell, should give the Jets the best young pair of offensive tackles in the NFL. Has everything you look for- strength, intelligence, balance, recovery, feet, explosiveness."

-Football Digest (September 1978)

"Rookie offensive tackle Chris Ward is making a name for himself in the NFL. The rookie left tackle has more than 'held his own' against opposing defensive ends. 'The trick is not to be obvious enough to get caught. I don't consider the tricks I'm learning to survive to be cheating, because this is a jungle-like atmosphere and you have to accept it as that.' "

-Football Digest, from Notes, Quotes and Comments  (January 1979)