Heisman Trophy Winner Charlie Ward To Speak At FCA Fundraiser
HUNTSVILLE- Arguably the most decorated player in the history of college football will be the keynote speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Northeast Alabama Home Team Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, April 2 at the Von Braun Center’s North Hall. The event kicks off at 6:15 p.m.
Charlie Ward, 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and the only Heisman Trophy recipient to play in the NBA, will bring his story of success and tribulations in faith before an expected packed crowd as the FCA will continue to press its mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church.
Ward won every award he was eligible for as a senior quarterback on Florida State’s National Championship team of 1993 and was a key member of the school’s basketball team, which made the NCAA Tournament three consecutive years including an Elite 8 and Sweet 16 appearances. He won the Heisman after completing over 69-percent of his passes for 3,032 yards with 27 touchdowns. He also won the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards and was named the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Toyota Leader of the Year.
He ended his college career with over 5,700 yards passing, 49 touchdowns and hitting on 62-percent of his passes.
On the basketball court, Ward led the Seminoles to three consecutive NCAA Tournament bids. He finished with 740 points, 396 assists and 238 steals and was selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks where he would play 12 seasons in the league playing for four different teams. He played in 630 NBA games amassing 3,947 points and 2,539 assists.
Ward was also a fantastic baseball player twice being drafted by Major League Baseball.
Ward would later work as a coach and mentor in numerous programs and became the Ambassador of Football for Florida State and soon became the head coach of the FSU Developmental Research School in Tallahassee, Fl.
Off the court, Ward became known for his extensive charitable work through groups like the FCA and in 2011 received the John Wooden Keys to Life Award given for continued excellence and integrity on and off the court. He established the aWard Foundation to enhance the lives of young people through sports-based mentoring and educational programs.
Ward is a husband, father, mentor and coach who embodies the principles of what the FCA stands for.
VIP sponsorships are available for $1,000 and includes eight tickets, dinner and numerous additional pluses for being a sponsor. Individual tickets are available by contacting the FCA at 256-536-7333. Information regarding the special evening is available at www.fca.org
