He played college football at Ohio State and was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and won Super Bowl XLVI with them.

[3] After leaving the field, he attempted to run and cut on the sideline, but collapsed unable to reach full speed.

Replacing Ballard was teammate Bear Pascoe, who finished the game with 4 catches for 33 receiving yards.

[5] After cutting rookie tight end D. C. Jefferson due to his arrest, the Cardinals agreed to terms with Ballard on November 4, 2013.

Ballard was expected to split time with tight ends Jim Dray and Rob Housler.

[7] On August 6, 2014, Ballard announced his retirement from the NFL because "after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, my body never felt the same.