Tag Archives: greg ward jr.

AAF, NFL, ufl

Ward Jr., Greg (2)

CARDS: Topps AAF 2019 Certified HACK, Sage Hit Premium Portrait 2017, Sage 2017 Peak Performance, Sage Hit 2017, Panini Unparalleled 2017 Pink, Panini Prestige 2017 Parallel, Jersey
ACQUIRED: In Person, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • See Also Greg Ward Jr.
  • Greg was promoted to the active roster by the Eagles after injuries decimated the WR corps in 2019.
  • Over time he became sort of a folk hero to Eagles fans.
  • He saw action in 7 games, starting 3 in 2019.
  • Caught 28 passes for 254 yards and a TD, and most notably 18 first downs.
  • In 2020, started 10 games, catching 53 passes for 419 yards and 6 TDs.
  • Caught QB Jalen Hurts first TD throw.
  • Used primarily in gadget plays in 2021, and saw seldom play time.
  • Returned to the Eagles practice squad in 2022 and remained there through 2023.
  • Signed with the Colts in 2024, but didn’t make the squad.
  • Joined the San Antonio Brahmas in November of 2024.
  • In a Frankenstein patchwork like offense, Greg managed to haul in 17 receptions for 116 yards and a TD.

NOTES:

Greg was one of my favorite players on the Commanders, and after the league folded, I got a jersey of him off of DHGate back in 2020. When the XFL returned in 2023, I wore this jersey to the meet and greet with Hines Ward. I wore it to the first game, and I wore it when the UFL took shape. I wore it even though other fans were telling me it was time to let go. I couldn’t believe it when Greg was signed by the Brahmas. I thought it had to be a publicity ploy or something but I kept pinching myself hoping he’d make the team.

When the meet and greet was announced, I speculated that the players in attendance would probably be new QB Kellen Mond, someone like Tavante Beckett… Caveon Patton always shows up since he’s local… and maybe an old head like Greg Ward. I absolutely nailed it.

He was nice enough to sign these cards and the jersey I was wearing. It is the first jersey- surprisingly in all these years- that I’ve had signed. Sure in hindsight, I should’ve had Jamie Sharper sign his or Kenneth Farrow.. but now I gotta figure out how to frame this thing. The cards! Ah the cards… These were cards I wanted him to sign dating back to his time with the Commanders and I had and the Ultimate and the Peak Performance cards were burning a hole in my pocket! So glad to get them all signed while the hack card is the cream of the cake. Yes!

Despite the wear I put it through, I was gentle with the jersey and it will look great on the wall. I did have a few nitpicks about it but considering there were no player jerseys made, this isn’t bad at all.

Later after the event I bought an XFL player practice jersey off of Ebay of his current number with the Brahmas. Then I realized it was probably for 2023 or ’24…. And then I realized it was too small to fit on me. I’m sure it will look good on my daughter at a game.

AAF, NFL

Ward Jr, Greg

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.