Cards: Sage 2017, Topps AAF NOW 2019
Acquired: BB 2018, IP 2019, San Antonio Commanders v Salt Lake City Stallions
Greg Ward Jr is an intriguing multi-faceted athlete. He played in college for the Houston Cougars from 2013-2016 at quarterback. Ward blossomed in 2016 throwing for 2827 yards (67.0% completions), 17 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. A force to be reckoned with on the ground, Ward rushed for 1114 yards on 197 carries and 21 touchdowns. In 2016 Ward increased his passing productivity going 319 of 469, while throwing for 3557 yards, and 22 TDs to 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 518 yards and 10 TDs on 197 carries. Greg was not selected in the 2017 NFL draft. Afterwards he’d sign with the Philadelphia Eagles and earned a spot on the practice squad as they converted him to wide receiver.
Greg was signed by the San Antonio Commanders shortly before camp began. I was very excited- as I knew he would be an impact play maker for the team. When the season rolled around I needed a new offensive player to follow, since my original one didn’t make the squad, so Greg became my new fan favorite.
Over the course of 8 games with SA, Ward played primarily out of the slot, but also saw time as a guy they just wanted to get the ball in the hands of- since he is so electric. He caught 22 passes for 214 yards and a 2 point conversion. Although a distant second in return yardage (135), Greg had the highest average (15.0) and the longest punt return for a TD in league history (79 yards) against Atlanta.
“I was really pleased when we got Greg and as I learned more about him, I was even more pleased. He’s a terrific athlete who can do a lot of things. He’s a versatile player and we’re really glad to have him.”
-Commanders Head Coach Mike Riley
I got this great Topps AAF Now card celebrating his punt return, and knew I had to get it autographed. I started figuring out the lay of the land autograph-wise after the SLC game. I was the last person on the wall who he autographed on the home side of the field before he went back. I had hoped to get some other really nice card signed by him, but the gatekeeper blocked me from getting anymore than one. I may at a future date attempt to get him again TTM. I also hope to get a custom Commanders jersey done of him at some point, but who knows if that pipe dream will ever come to pass.
After the league imploded Greg was signed by the Eagles again who appeared to be taking a second look at the now seasoned former QB speedster. He didn’t make final cuts in 2019, but the team elected to bring him back to the practice squad shortly afterwards.