Dedric Ward (2010) - Hall of Fame

Dedric Ward

Induction:
2010
Class:
1997

Dedric Ward was an All-American wide receiver on the UNI football team from 1993-96.

In his time as a Panther, Ward rewrote the UNI and Gateway Football Conference record books like no receiver ever had before. Over four seasons, he amassed 4,539 receiving yards and made 50 career touchdown receptions – both records that still top the all-time lists at UNI and in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Ward’s consistency showed with three consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards, leading the Gateway Conference each year from 1994-96. At one point, he went 27 consecutive games with a reception, and he ended his career as UNI’s all-time leader in receptions with 208.

In 1995 – the first of two All-American seasons – he led the nation with 116.4 receiving yards per game. Ward ended his UNI career with 50 touchdowns – the second-most in school history – and 304 career points, the school record for a non-kicker.

At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Ward ranked No. 2 in the NCAA in all-time receiving yardage behind only Jerry Rice.

Ward went on to play eight seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys, totaling 167 receptions and 2,307 yards.