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Derrick Ward announces his retirement

Posted by Josh Alper on July 3, 2012, 4:09 PM EDT
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Back in June, running back Derrick Ward said that he was going to take some time to evaluate his options after learning the Texans didn’t want him back for another season.

Ward’s soul-searching has come to a conclusion and he has decided to retire.

Ward made the announcement regarding the end of his NFL career on Tuesday afternoon.

Ward spent nine years in the NFL with the Giants, Buccaneers and Texans after being drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 Draft. The Giants signed him off of their co-tenants’ practice squad in October of his rookie year and he gradually worked his way into the backfield mix. His best season came in 2008 when he ran for 1,025 yards as part of the Earth, Wind and Fire backfield with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

Ward parlayed that year into a four-year deal with the Buccaneers, but got cut after one disappointing season that resulted in just 409 yards. Ward ran for 469 yards as a reserve with the Texans during the last two seasons and, at 31, didn’t get too many more looks from a league slanted toward younger running backs.

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8 Responses to “Derrick Ward announces his retirement”
  1. hulkhogansays says: Jul 3, 2012 4:11 PM

    Not For Long is right brother.

  2. doe22us says: Jul 3, 2012 4:16 PM

    7th Round Pick, 9 years in the league thats a job well done. If he saved his money carefully, he should be good for the long haul.

  3. bigdan7885 says: Jul 3, 2012 4:30 PM

    Very grateful for the Earth Wind & Fire combination that helped lead the Giants to a Superbowl title. Good luck in retirement Derrick!

  4. primetimewr9 says: Jul 3, 2012 4:33 PM

    Solid contributer.

  5. bluefan204 says: Jul 3, 2012 4:36 PM

    From a lifelong Giants fan, thanks D Ward!

  6. chargersfan4life says: Jul 3, 2012 4:37 PM

    Great career, and good luck to you in retirement Derrick Ward. Its nice to see a player retire at the right time, and not try to play when he has nothing left to offer. Wish LT2 would have done the same, and retired back in 2009.

  7. gpete1962 says: Jul 3, 2012 4:43 PM

    Good luck Derrick!! you always were a standup guy and most important of all, you got a ring with the G-Men!!!!!!

  8. blackwillie1991 says: Jul 3, 2012 5:12 PM

    Derrick Ward will be remember forever for his breakout game against the Panthers back in 2008. 15 attempts for 215 yards. Good Luck Derrick!!

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