New York Jets Ward was selected by the
New York Jets in the third round (88th overall) of the
1997 NFL draft, because his
special teams production reminded head coach
Bill Parcells of
David Meggett. In 1998, he started 4 games, recording 25 receptions for 477 yards and 4 touchdowns, with a 19.1-yard average. He had a career-high 71-yard touchdown reception in the
AFC East division clinching win against the
Buffalo Bills. He had 5 receptions for 61 yards in the AFC Championship game against the
Denver Broncos. In 1999, when
Wayne Chrebet broke a bone in his foot in preseason, he became the No. 2 receiver for the first five games of the regular season. He ended up starting 10 games as the team's deep threat, collecting 22 receptions for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns, while averaging 7.6 yards on 38 punt returns. In 2000, he became a full-time starter after
Keyshawn Johnson was traded to the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had a breakout year, posting 16 starts, 54 receptions (fourth on the team) for 801 yards (third on the team) and 3 touchdowns. He returned 27 punts for a 7.9-yard average. Against the
Baltimore Ravens, he had 8 receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown.
Miami Dolphins On April 18, 2001, he was signed as a
free agent by the
Miami Dolphins. In August, he suffered a left foot stress fracture and missed a month. He was a backup behind
Oronde Gadsden, appearing in 13 games (one start), with 21 receptions (13 for first down conversions) and 209 yards. In 2002, he appeared in 16 games, returning 16 punts with 10.6-yard average and making 19 receptions for 172 yards. He was released in a salary-cap move on February 26, 2003.
New England Patriots (first stint) On May 22, 2003, he was signed as a
free agent by the
New England Patriots, reuniting with offensive coordinator
Charlie Weis, who had the same role with the Jets. On August 31, he was released after being passed on the depth chart by
David Patten.
Baltimore Ravens On October 6, 2003, he was signed by the
Baltimore Ravens as a
free agent, to be used to return punts. He appeared in 3 games and was declared inactive in 3 contests. He was released on November 18.
New England Patriots (second stint) On November 20, 2003, he was signed as a
free agent by the
New England Patriots to add depth to the
wide receiver position. He appeared in 4 games and was declared inactive in 2 contests. He played in each postseason game playing a part of the
Super Bowl XXXVIII winning team. He was targeted by
Tom Brady 4 times in the three postseason games making one catch for 22 yards in the Patriots divisional round win over the Titans.
Dallas Cowboys On June 11, 2004, he was signed by the
Dallas Cowboys as a
free agent, reuniting with
Bill Parcells who was also his head coach with the Jets. On June 24, he suffered a right broken foot while working out in the team's facility. On July 31, he returned to practice. He appeared in 8 games and was declared inactive in 7 contests. He made one reception for 5 yards, one carry for 11 rushing yards and returned 14 punts for an 8.1-yard average. He was released on December 31. Ward played in 103 regular-season games (26 starts) during his
NFL career with 167 receptions for 2,307 yards and 12
touchdowns, to go along with 123 punt returns for 1,026 yards. ==Coaching career==