Jay Ward (American football)

Jay Ward (born July 13, 2000) is an American football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Ward was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at LSU.

Early life
Ward was born in Moultrie, Georgia. He had two brothers who also played football up to the collegiate level. He attended Colquitt County High School and was one of the school's all-time best defensive backs, recording a career total of 11 interceptions. As a senior, Ward helped the team compile a regular season record of 14–0 before losing in the state championship. He also competed in track and field, winning a regional championship. A three-star prospect, he had initially committed to play college football for the Kentucky Wildcats, but then switched to the LSU Tigers.

College career
Ward saw immediate playing time as a true freshman in 2019, appearing in 13 games during the team's national championship season, mainly on special teams. After being part of a defense that allowed a record-breaking 623 passing yards in the 2020 season-opening upset loss to Mississippi State Bulldogs and seeing limited action in the subsequent games, Ward rebounded by blocking what would have been a game-tying field goal at the end of regulation by Arkansas in Week 6; he then forced a fumble against Alabama, posted an interception against Florida, and made two against Ole Miss to conclude the season. He finished the year with nine games played, 29 tackles and one touchdown (off an interception against Ole Miss).

Ward moved from cornerback to safety in 2021 and started all 11 games, posting 71 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and one forced fumble. In 2022, he saw action at safety, nickel cornerback and outside cornerback. He appeared in a total of 13 games that year, starting nine, and posted 60 tackles, in addition to one interception and a fumble return for a touchdown. After the season, Ward declared for the NFL Draft.

Professional career
Ward was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round, 134th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft.