PADS OF A PLAYMAKER

QB Charlie Ward led FSU to their first National Championship in 1993 while also winning the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award and the Davey O’Brien Award. As Bobby Bowden said, “Charlie was the best decision-maker I ever coached.” Ward passed for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior season, with none bigger than the go-ahead score against Florida in a 33-21 win that secured FSU’s place in the national title game. Known for his poise, precision and dual-sport prowess (he also starred for the FSU basketball team), Ward never played in the NFL, choosing instead to pursue a career in professional basketball. Drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft, Ward went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, including a trip to the 1999 NBA Finals. His decision to follow his passion for basketball made him one of the most unique and accomplished multi-sport athletes in collegiate history.