Jihad Ward

PRO: The Titans signed Jihad Ward early in 2025 training camp to bring a veteran presence to the outside linebacker position and experience to the pass rush unit. Entering 2025, the 6-foot-5-inch, 285-pounder boasts 119 games of NFL experience and spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Ward was originally selected in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and has collected 168 tackles, 25 stops for loss and 19 sacks in his first nine seasons as a pro (2016-24).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• In 2023, Ward played in all 17 games with nine starts with the N.Y. Giants, finishing the year with a career-high five sacks.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Jihad is a songwriter and has released several tracks under the name Haddy.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Philadelphia, Pa., native was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.
• Traded by the Raiders to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Ryan Switzer on April 28, 2018.
• Waived by the Cowboys on Sept. 1, 2018.
• Signed by the Indianapolis Colts to the team's practice squad on Sept. 3, 2018.
• Elevated to the Colts' active roster from the practice squad on Sept. 13, 2018.
• Released by the Colts on Oct. 1, 2019.
• Signed by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent on Oct. 8, 2019.
• Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent on March 17, 2021.
• Signed by the N.Y. Giants as an unrestricted free agent on March 21, 2022.
• Signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an unrestricted free agent on March 20, 2024.
• Signed by the Titans as a free agent on July 24, 2025.

COLLEGE:
• Played two seasons at Illinois (2014-15) after transferring from Globe Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.). His career college statistics include 185 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
• As a senior (2015), was named All-Big Ten honorable mention for the second consecutive season. Started all 12 games, playing both defensive end and defensive tackle. Finished the year with 53 tackles, four stops for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
• As a junior (2014), was named All-Big Ten honorable mention in his first season at Illinois. Started all 13 games at defensive end and totaled 51 tackles, nine stops for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. Led the Big Ten with four fumble recoveries.
• As a sophomore (2013), played in seven games for Globe Institute of Technology and recorded 26 tackles, three stops for loss and two sacks. Ranked as the No. 2 junior college defensive tackle and the No. 6 junior college player in the nation by 247Sports. Transferred to Illinois following the season.
• As a freshman (2012), recorded 55 tackles and eight sacks at Globe Institute of Technology.
• Majored in sport management at Illinois.

PERSONAL:
• Attended W. Bok Technical (Philadelphia, Pa.) High School, where he was named first-team All-City as a senior (2011) and second-team All-City as a junior (2010).
• Ward began his high school career as a wide receiver before switching to safety and eventually to defensive end.
• Son of Kareema Ward.
• Follow Ward on Instagram at @haddy.
• Born Jihad Ward on March 11, 1994 in Philadelphia, Pa.