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Bob Ward

Guard

Inducted 1980

Date of Birth

9/16/1927

Birthplace

Elizabeth, NJ

School

University of Maryland (1948-1951)

Bio

Bob Ward became Maryland's first All-America player in 1950 as a middle guard on defense. He displayed his tremendous versatility the next season, being named unanimous All-America as an offensive guard. He helped spark Jim Tatum's Terrapins to a perfect 10-0 season and the National Championship in 1951, climaxed by a 28-13 conquest of Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. Tatum called Bob Ward "the greatest football player I've seen ounce-for-ounce, and the best I've ever coached." Despite his two-time All-America acclaim, he cherished another honor even more; he was voted the Terps Most Valuable Player four straight years. Ward served as assistant football coach at Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Army and head coach at Maryland 1967-68. When he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, the ceremony at New York's Waldorf-Astoria was witnessed by 12 of Ward's relatives, 16 former teammates, and his 84-year-old father. His jersey number, 28, was the first to be retired by Maryland.