Ford's career unfolded like a football epic. He began with the Los Angeles Dons in the All-America Football Conference, excelling not just as a fearsome defender but also as a pass-catching weapon. His leaping one-handed grabs became legendary, showcasing a rare blend of power and finesse.

When the AAFC folded, Ford landed with the Cleveland Browns, joining the legendary Cleveland teams of the 1950s. Here, his defensive prowess truly blossomed. He terrorized quarterbacks with unstoppable pass rushes, recovering fumbles and earning All-NFL honors four times.