Jay Ward

2025 | MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Started in five of the 17 games he appeared in during the 2025 season, totaling 24 defensive tackles, including one for loss, and one fumble recovery. He also posted three tackles on special teams.
• Played in his 50th career regular-season game in Week 18 vs. Green Bay (1/4). He finished thee day with six tackles.
• Recorded five tackles in Week 17 vs. Detroit (12/25).
• Posted a career-high six tackles in Week 16 at the New York Giants (12/21),
• Made his first career start and recorded his first career tackle for loss in Week 11 vs. Chicago (11/16).
• Had two tackles and a fumble recovery in Week 1 at Chicago (9/8) on Monday Night Football. Also added one tackle on special teams.

2025 | MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Started in five of the 17 games he appeared in during the 2025 season, totaling 24 defensive tackles, including one for loss, and one fumble recovery. He also posted three tackles on special teams.
• Played in his 50th career regular-season game in Week 18 vs. Green Bay (1/4). He finished thee day with six tackles.
• Recorded five tackles in Week 17 vs. Detroit (12/25).
• Posted a career-high six tackles in Week 16 at the New York Giants (12/21),
• Made his first career start and recorded his first career tackle for loss in Week 11 vs. Chicago (11/16).
• Had two tackles and a fumble recovery in Week 1 at Chicago (9/8) on Monday Night Football. Also added one tackle on special teams.

2024 | MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Saw action in 16 games for the Vikings during the 2024 season, recording six total tackles, one QB hit and a pass defensed.
• Made his postseason debut during the Wild Card Round in Arizona against the L.A. Rams (1/13).
• Recorded his first career pass defensed in Week 1 5 vs. Chicago (12/16) on Monday Night Football.
• Inactive in Week 13 vs. Arizona (12/1) due to injury.
• Made his season debut in Week 1 at the New York Giants (9/8).

2023 | MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Played in all 17 games for the Vikings as a rookie in 2023, contributing on both defense and special teams.
• Tallied a pair of tackles and recovered a fumble on defense in addition to six special teams tackles in 2023.
• Saw action on both defense and special teams in Week 18 at Detroit (1/7), logging one tackle.
• Appeared in a career-high 17 defensive snaps vs. Green Bay (12/31).
• Recorded a tackle on defense for the first time in his career against Detroit in Week 16 (12/24).
• Recovered a fumble at Las Vegas in Week 14 (12/10), the first of his career.
• Logged four tackles on special teams in Week 8 at Green Bay (10/29).
• Made his NFL debut against in Week 1 against Tampa Bay (9/10).

COLLEGE - LSU

• Versatile defensive back who played safety, cornerback and nickel back during his LSU career.
• Made 46 career appearances with 23 starts and registered 164 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions.
• Developed into a leader in the secondary for the Tigers and served as an extra "coach" on the field.
• Had breakout season in 2021, ranking among team leaders in tackles with 71, and followed that with 60 tackles as a senior in 2022.
• Also thrived on special teams – blocked a fourth-quarter field goal against Arkansas that helped preserve a LSU win in 2020. Also had a blocked field goal against Auburn in 2021.

HONORS

• Senior Bowl Participant (2023)
• SEC Defensive Player of the Week (2022)
• SEC Academic Honor Roll (2020)

HIGH SCHOOL - COLQUITT COUNTY (GA.)

• Led his team to a 14-1 record and an appearance in the Georgia 7A State Championship as a senior.
• Capped his senior season with 50 tackles and six interceptions.
• As a junior, recorded 46 tackles, 12 pass breakups and four interceptions.
• Amassed 11-career interceptions.

OFF THE FIELD

• Older brother Johnny Ward played football at South Florida.
• Has one child.
• Majored in interdisciplinary studies.