Jim Ballard Quarterback on a Mission...

April 16, 1972, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, marked the birth of Jim Ballard, a record-breaking quarterback at the Division III level who went on to a decade-long professional career across multiple leagues.  

✦ College Career

Jim Ballard's collegiate career, spanning from 1990 to 1993, first at Wilmington College and then at Mount Union, was nothing short of phenomenal. Transferring to Mount Union, he shattered numerous Division III records, leading the Purple Raiders to their first-ever national championship in 1993. A two-time First Team All-American in 1992 and 1993, Ballard amassed over 12,000 passing yards and threw for over 150 touchdowns, breaking 17 Division III records along the way. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Despite his Division III dominance, Ballard embarked on a diverse professional career that lasted ten years. He played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, in NFL Europe where he led the Scottish Claymores to a World Bowl title in 1996 and earned Hall of Fame induction in 2001, and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He also played in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers and Indiana Firebirds, and briefly in the XFL for the Las Vegas Outlaws.  

✦ Football Legacy

Jim Ballard's football legacy is defined by his record-setting achievements in Division III football and his perseverance in pursuing a professional career across various leagues. His leadership at Mount Union culminated in a national championship, and his individual statistics set a high bar for quarterbacks at that level. His successful stint in NFL Europe, including a World Bowl victory, further highlights his capabilities. Ballard's journey showcases a passion for the game that extended beyond the traditional NFL path.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Jim Ballard was a two-time First Team All-American (1992, 1993) and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1991. He was a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award (top offensive back in the OAC) and won the inaugural Melberger Award and the Gagliardi Trophy as the Division III Player of the Year in 1993. He was also the recipient of the 1993 Joe Fogg Award (top collegiate player in the Midwest). Ballard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Scottish Claymores Hall of Fame in 2001. His college career boasted over 12,000 passing yards and over 150 touchdowns, setting numerous Division III records. In the CFL, he threw for 1,175 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the Arena Football League, he passed for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns.