Charlie Ward: The Legendary Two-Sport Star
A documentary about the life and accomplishments of legendary athlete Charlie Ward is set to be released on Netflix ” on August 1st, 2025″ Ward, a two-sport star, made history as the first Black quarterback at Florida State University and went on to have a successful basketball career.
Growing up in Thomasville, Georgia, Ward’s athletic abilities were evident from an early age. His parents, Willard and Charlie Sr., recall a friend noticing Ward’s impressive skills on a shuffleboard court when he was just 2 years old. Ward’s father, a former athlete himself, played a significant role in shaping his son’s athletic career.
Ward’s high school athletic career was marked by a knee injury that left doctors unsure of his future in sports. However, he used this setback as an opportunity to focus on his studies and eventually recovered physically. He went on to have a successful high school athletic career, earning a scholarship to Florida State University.
Football:
Heisman Trophy Winner: Awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1993, becoming the first Seminole to win it.
National Championship: Led Florida State to its first national championship in 1993.
1993 Stats: Completed 69.5% of his passes for 3,032 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions.
Other Awards: Won the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and Toyota Leader of the Year.
FSU Records: Held 14 FSU football records at the time of his induction into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Sullivan Award: Only the second college football player to win the Sullivan Award.
Consensus All-American: Named a consensus All-American in 1993.
Drafted in the MLB: He was drafted in the major league baseball draft even though he did not play college baseball
At Florida State, Ward initially played football as a punter before transitioning to quarterback. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Ward persevered and eventually became the team’s starting quarterback. He made history as the school’s first Black quarterback and led the team to a national championship in 1993.
Ward’s basketball career was equally impressive. He joined the Florida State basketball team during his redshirt season and quickly became a key player. His unique style of play, which emphasized distribution and defense, helped the team make three straight NCAA tournament appearances.
Throughout his athletic career, Ward was known for his exceptional work ethic, determination, and respect for his teammates and coaches. His legacy extends beyond his impressive athletic achievements, inspiring countless young athletes and cementing his place in the history books.
The upcoming Netflix documentary promises to provide a comprehensive look at Ward’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, coaches, and teammates. It’s a must-watch for sports fans and anyone interested in the remarkable story of Charlie Ward.
Florida State Seminole community, keep your time on, 1 August 2025.
