Dedric Lamar Ward (born September 29, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.
Ward attended Washington High School, where he played as a running back and wide receiver.
Against Illinois State University, he set a school record with 247 receiving yards, while also scoring 3 touchdowns.
Ward finished his career as the school's and conference's All-time leading wide receiver with 176 receptions for 3,876 yards (second in Division I-AA history to Jerry Rice), 41 touchdown receptions (second in school history) and 304 career points.
He was a part of the track team, placing third in the 55 metres with a time of 6.33 seconds at the Gateway Indoor Championships his senior season.
Ward was selected by the New York Jets in the third round (88th overall) of the 1997 NFL draft, because his special teams production reminded head coach Bill Parcells of David Meggett.
He had a career-high 71-yard touchdown reception in the AFC East division clinching win against the Buffalo Bills.
[8] On May 22, 2003, he was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots, reuniting with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who had the same role with the Jets.
On November 20, 2003, he was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots to add depth to the wide receiver position.
He was targeted by Tom Brady 4 times in the three postseason games making one catch for 22 yards in the Patriots divisional round win over the Titans.
[12] On June 11, 2004, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, reuniting with Bill Parcells who was also his head coach with the Jets.