Derrick Ward Net Worth: How Rich is the Retired NFL Player?

Derrick Ward is a retired American football running back. He is best known for playing with the New York Giants in the NFL. As of 2023, Derrick Ward net worth is approximately around $4 million.

Early Life

Derrick Ward was born in August 1980 in Los Angeles, California. Not enough detail is available regarding his parents. Regarding his education, he studied at Valley View High School. At that time, he used to be a letterman in football. After that, he attended California State University, Fresno. In 2003, he was transferred to Ottawa University for his final year.

Derrick Ward Net Worth & Career

Derrick Ward had been in an amazing form since his high school days. While playing in senior year at school, he won All-CIF honors and was an All-Riverside County choice. Furthermore, he was named the Tam Co/MVP, and the Sun Belt League Offensive MVP.

Ward continued his good form in college and rushed for 3,152 yards. Following that, he played at Fresno State and gained 1,091 yards. He appeared in 20 games at Fresno State. Despite being in the best form, he was called academically ineligible to play for Fresno’s team. In 1992, he received the Freshman All-America honors.

Derrick was going through a lot of injuries while playing at Fresno State. In 2000, he had a knee injury due to which he was allowed to play in only seven games. In 2001 and 2002, he was again called ineligible to play at Fresno State. After that, he joined Ottawa University and played for the University’s football team. In 2003, he made NAIA single-season records. Ward had 47 yards in only 10 games at Ottawa.

Ward’s professional career began when the New York Jets selected him in the 2004 NFL Draft. However, the Jets released him in September 2004. Ward was signed by the New York Giants and started playing for the team. In 2007, he had 602 rushing yards, and scored 3 touchdowns with an average of 4.8 yards per carry. The Jets again signed him in March 2008.

In December 2008, he led the Giants to a thrilling 34-28 overtime victory against the Carolina Panthers. In the game, he made attacking 215 rushing yards. Ward completed the 2008 season with 1,025 yards. With that, he and his fellow teammate, Brandon Jacobs became the fifth pair to rush for one thousand yards in a season. Ward and Jacobs were also given the credit for high-grade run blocking.

In March 2009, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him for a four year. He signed a contract worth $17 million. As expected, he was able to show his good form for the Buccaneers for the rest of the seasons. In the 2009 season, he rushed for 409 yards 114 times and also had 1 touchdown. In August 2010, the Buccaneers decided not to retain the team. Then, he joined the Houston Texans in September 2010. After two years in July 2012, he announced his retirement via Twitter.

Personal Life

Derrick Ward was married to Naomi Lee Allen-Ward. He tied the knot with Naomi in 2012 when he retired from the NFL. In November 2018, Naomi filed a restraining order against Derrick, claiming that he was verbally, physically, and emotionally abusive towards her. A court restraining order details that he lunged at her, gripped her throat, and also poked her face.

In the court documents, Naomi further mentioned that he was shoving, breaking objects, and punching walls. Ward continued his abusive behavior in front of their kids. After Naomi filed a restraining order, Derrick and the kids were prohibited from coming nearly 100 yards from her.

The former NFL player was arrested on Monday, December 18, 2023, in North Hollywood on suspicion of robbing multiple businesses. As per the reports, he was involved in robbing at least five businesses, including gas stations. Ward is currently being held in LA jail, and he would reportedly be set free after paying a bond of $250,000.

Derrick Ward Net Worth

As of 2023, Derrick Ward’s total net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. He made over $10 million from his NFL career. Ward was signed for a whopping $17 million by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2009. The contract included a $2 million signing bonus and an average salary of over $4 million per annum.