There will be a familiar face that’s passed through the Oregon Ducks program during the 2026 NFL Draft, as former Ducks safety T.J. Ward will announce at least one of the Denver Broncos‘ selections live in Pittsburgh, PA. The draft will be from Apr. 23-25, though NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell normally announces the first round on Day 1 while guests and someone within the league office finishes the announcements for the final two days of the draft.
Ward was one of the top defenders on the Ducks during his time in Eugene (2005-2009), totaling 190 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and two interceptions from his safety position. He led the team in tackles during the 2008 season with 101 and was honored as a PAC-10 Honorable Mention selection.
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After his Oregon career came to a close, Ward was drafted in the second round, No. 38 overall, by the Cleveland Browns. He spent five years with the Browns before signing with the Broncos, where his career began to take off. He made three Pro Bowls from 2013-2015 and won the Super Bowl in 2015 with Denver, as the defense held the Carolina Panthers to just ten points.
Ward finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017 before retiring, finishing with career totals of 607 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, eight interceptions and 45 pass-breakups.
It has yet to be determined what exact picks Ward will make for the Broncos at the 2026 NFL Draft, but they have seven total selections after Day 1.
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With nearly a dozen of draft eligible Oregon players hoping to hear their name called, there’s a possibility that Ward calls the name of a fellow former Duck while on stage in Pittsburgh.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Oregon safety T.J. Ward to announce draft pick at NFL Draft