Bob Ward shattered expectations at the University of Maryland, using his relentless tenacity and heart to dominate larger opponents and cement his legacy as one of college football’s greatest two-way linemen.
Football Bio
September 16, 1927 – Bob Ward was a former guard from the University of Maryland.
Few thought he could make it as a lineman in College football, as he was undersized at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed a mere 187 pounds.
But Ward made up for his stature with the size of his heart for playing ball. Bob had the tenacity of a pole cat and often surprised larger opponents with his aggressive style of play, earning him the nickname “watch-charm guard.”
Bob is one of the top linemen in Terps history alongside Randy White. Ward is one of the few players recognized by the Associated Press as a first-team All-American on both offense and defense.
During his four years at Maryland, Bob Ward helped lead the Terrapins to a 32โ7โ1 overall record, a national championship, and two bowl victories.
Two standout postseason performances defined his career:
- 1950 Gator Bowl: Ward earned MVP honors.
- 1952 Sugar Bowl: In his final gameโdubbed the “game of the century” by The Washington PostโWard helped #3 Maryland upset #1 Tennessee 28โ13 to cap off a perfect 10โ0 season.
Ward’s crucial forced fumble on Tennessee’s Hank Lauricella directly set up a Maryland touchdown.
The National Football Foundation selected him to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Bob Ward proved that heart, grit, and technique overcome physical limitations on the gridiron. He set an unparalleled standard for two-way players and forever secured his place in Maryland Terrapins lore.
He would later move into coaching, including two seasons at his alma mater.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
- Named a Consensus First-Team All-American in 1951.
- Achieved the rare distinction of earning First-Team Associated Press All-American honors on both offense and defense.
- Helped lead the Maryland Terrapins to the 1951 National Championship.
- Named the 1950 Gator Bowl MVP.
- Propelled Maryland to a 32โ7โ1 record during his four-year collegiate career, including an undefeated 10-0 season in 1951.
- Won the Southern Conference Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 1950.
- Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1952 NFL Draft. [Source]
University of Maryland – 1951 Terrapin University of Maryland year book, page 272
Staged photograph of Bob Ward in football equipment during his playing career at the University of Maryland
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