On this episode of the Greater Than The Game Podcast, we talk with Rutgers football player Timmy Ward. Ward made headlines across New Jersey after scoring a touchdown on a blocked punt against the Michigan Wolverines this season, but that moment only scratches the surface of Timmy Ward’s incredible story.

The Comeback

Ward grew up wrestling and playing football. He attended Canton High School, where he became a standout on both sides of the ball. He ended his junior season with 645 yards and seven touchdowns at wide receiver and 84 tackles and 11 interceptions at defensive back, earning him all-state honors for the second consecutive season.

After the end of the season, Ward had a biopsy on a swollen lymph node and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma causing him to miss the rest of the school year due to treatments. In the podcast, Ward breaks down what kept him going during his treatment and how the game of football took on a whole new meaning for him during his recovery. In 2019, he was declared cancer free and chose to make his return to the wrestling mat, coming in 6th place in the Pennsylvania state wrestling tournament.

A Scarlet Knight

The next year, Ward returned to the football field but suffered an ACL tear that ended his season. Check out the podcast above to find out what got him through his injury and how he turned a job as an equipment manager at Rutgers into a roster spot at the highest level of college football.

To listen to the full podcast with Ward, click on the play button above. If you liked this episode, please consider following us on social media and donating using the bottoms at the top and bottom of the page. All donations are tax-deductible!