Following their son’s football journey has meant a lot of travel for Patrice and Calvin Ward.
Heisman finalist Cam Ward was outstanding, completing 12 of 19 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone.
Highlights
- Patrice and Calvin Ward have been by their son’s side throughout college football, not missing a single game in his first four years.
- As the youngest of four children, Cameron grew up in a competitive environment where all his siblings were involved in sports.
- Cam’s parents would typically fly into Denver, then connect to Spokane, Washington, and drive over an hour to their son’s apartment.
His strong performance gave Miami Hurricanes a 31-28 lead at halftime, and he also set a new NCAA Division I record for the most career touchdowns, reaching 158.
Cam Ward, who had a strong first half in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, didn’t return for the second half, leaving Hurricanes fans disappointed.
After throwing for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, Ward sat out the rest of the game.
Backup quarterback Emory Williams took over, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards and ending the game with an interception on a Hail Mary throw.
Ward, a projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, caused a stir among college football fans with his decision to sit out after playing the first half.
The move sparked plenty of discussion during and after the game.
Parents Patrice and Calvin Ward Show Unwavering Commitment to Their Son’s Football Journey
Patrice and Calvin Ward have been by their son’s side throughout college football, not missing a single game in his first four years.
They fly out from Houston every weekend to watch him play, supporting him as he gets closer to his goal of making it to the NFL.
Patrice, especially, is fiercely protective and quick to defend her son if anyone says something negative.
She’s always there to remind people that he’s her child.
On the other hand, Calvin gets wholly absorbed in the game, blocking out the noise around him.
He’s not nervous during the games because he knows Ward has been taught never to give up until the final whistle.
Whether he’s having a good or rough game, Calvin trusts that his son will keep fighting until the end.
Ward’s journey has been personal, having gone from a zero-star recruit to one of the top college football players heading into the 2024 season.
But his parents have played a key role in this success, always encouraging and keeping him grounded.
They are proud of everything he has achieved but are even more excited about his future.
And they wouldn’t want to miss a minute of it. They’re thrilled to be part of his journey, supporting him every step of the way.
The past two years, in particular, required careful planning to ensure they could attend every game.
Flying from Houston to Pullman, Washington, for Washington State’s home games was no simple task.
They would typically fly into Denver, then connect to Spokane, Washington, and drive over an hour to their son’s apartment.
Some road games, like those at USC and UCLA, were easier to reach, but others, like the trip to Corvallis, Oregon, for a game at Oregon State last year, took extra effort to arrange.
But despite the challenges, the Wards have attended every single one of their son’s games—44 in total so far, with 19 games at Incarnate Word and 25 at Washington State.
Cam Ward Grew Up In a Competitive Family
As the youngest of four children, Cameron grew up in a competitive environment where all his siblings were involved in sports.
His dad played football, and his mom coached high school basketball for nearly 25 years. Competition was always a big part of their family life.
From the start, his parents clarified that if you want to be the best, you must work harder than everyone else.
Cameron embraced this mindset early on, showing his leadership and strong work ethic from his first days in sports.
Even as a little kid playing peewee football, Cameron was already taking charge, organizing the players, and ensuring they were in the right spots.
In basketball, if the game was close and the team needed a boost, he’d direct the players and take control of the situation.
He’s always been a natural leader, determined to be the best, and willing to try to get there.
Additional Information
- Cameron Ward started his college career at Incarnate Word, where he was named the starting quarterback for his freshman season, which was delayed and played in the spring due to COVID-19.
- In the shortened 2020-21 season, Ward threw for 2,260 yards, leading the FCS with 24 touchdown passes, only 4 interceptions, and 2 rushing touchdowns.
- He was named the Jerry Rice Award winner as the top freshman in the FCS.
