Charlie Ward was a standout basketball player who had a successful career both in college and in the NBA. He played college basketball at Florida State University, where he was a two-sport athlete, also playing football as a quarterback. In his senior year, he won the Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country.
Despite his success in football, Ward decided to pursue a career in basketball and was selected by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1994 NBA draft. He spent the majority of his career with the Knicks, where he was known for his solid defense, three-point shooting, and ability to run the offense as a point guard.
Ward was a key player for the Knicks during the late 1990s, helping the team reach the NBA Finals in 1999. He was also known for his clutch performances in big games, including hitting a game-winning three-pointer in Game 5 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
In addition to his success on the court, Ward was also known for his strong Christian faith and his commitment to giving back to his community. He was awarded the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1999 for his charitable work.
After leaving the Knicks in 2004, Ward played one season with the San Antonio Spurs before retiring from basketball in 2005. He finished his career with averages of 6.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Since retiring from basketball, Ward has continued to be involved in sports, working as a college football analyst for ESPN and coaching high school basketball in Florida. He has also continued to be active in his community, working with various charities and organizations to help those in need.
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