Chad Ward was a multi-sport standout at River View High School in Kennewick, Washington, excelling in football, basketball, and track. A dominant lineman on the football field, he established himself early as one of the best in the state. He was a four-year starter on the varsity basketball team, and in track he threw the shot put, winning the district championship as a junior. But it was on the football field where Chad truly set himself apart. He earned First Team All-State honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and by his final season, he was recognized nationally. He was named a First Team All-American by USA Today, Blue Chip Illustrated, and Super Prep. Blue Chip Illustrated listed him among the top five offensive linemen in the Western United States, while Super Prep ranked him as one of the top 10 offensive linemen in the entire nation.

Chad’s senior year brought a long list of accolades, including selections to the Tacoma News Tribune’s First Team All-Classifications, the “Northwest Nuggets” and “Western 100” teams, and recognition by Street & Smith as one of the top nine lineman prospects in the country. He was also named a USA Today First Team All-American, a Bigger Faster Stronger All-American, and a Schutt All-American.

After high school, Chad went on to play football at the University of Washington, where he anchored the offensive line for four seasons without ever missing a start. As a senior, he was elected team captain and helped lead the Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory over Purdue. That same season, he was named Pac-10 Lineman of the Year and earned Associated Press First Team All-American honors.

In 2001, Chad was drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, beginning a four-year NFL career. His time in professional football was ultimately cut short by injury, but he remained committed to the game and to his community. After retiring, he returned to Kennewick, where he volunteered as a coach at River View High School and with Grid Kids football, continuing to inspire and mentor the next generation of athletes.