Even with twelve years of NBA success and a college football career filled with winning and awards, Charlie Ward has faced his share of challenges throughout his life.
Let's not forget- Ward was undrafted by the NFL following a senior season at Florida State that included a national championship and a Heisman trophy.
So when he spoke to law students on Friday, how to handle adversity was a key point in his message.
“There’s been ups and downs, and trials and tribulations, but there’s also been great rewards for it all,” Ward said. “So hopefully, even though they may not be athletes, there’s a connection.”
Ward and former Duke defensive back Keith Dubose were the featured speakers at the Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture at Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus.
Ward, whose wife is a lawyer, spoke about the relationship between law and sports.
He also related both to everyday life.
“Change is going to happen, and things are going to come up that you have to make an adjustment,” Ward said. “And now that I’m coaching, you put a game plan together, but you also have to make adjustments when things don’t go according to plan.”
That’s a strategy that led both Ward and Jameis Winston to national titles and Heisman trophies at FSU.
The two quarterbacks spent time together on Thursday.
And every time Ward sees Winston, he’s more impressed.
“He’s a football player through and through, but more importantly, he’s a great guy,” Ward said. “He does a lot for the community. And I think that’s something that he’s proud of. And he’s working to win a championship here.”
Speaking of winning championships, the four-year starter for the Seminoles on the basketball court believes this year’s Noles squad could have what it takes to make its first Elite Eight appearance since his 1993 team made it.
“Hopefully they can finish strong. They have put together a very good basketball team, and the guys are playing well together.”
The former point guard wishes he could say the same for his New York Knicks.