Former University of Richmond quarterback Eric Ward signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday after a weekend tryout.
Ward joins former teammate Lawrence Sidbury Jr., who was selected in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, on Atlanta's roster.
Ward went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, but tried out for the New York Jets during their mini-camp following the draft. He left New York without getting signed after the mini-camp.
The Falcons invited him and five other players, including former Spider wide receiver Arman Shields, to their mini-camp this past weekend. Ward and defensive back Daylan Walker from Arkansas State were the only two players signed by the Falcons.
This is a homecoming for Ward, who is an Atlanta native.
During his four years as a starter for Richmond, Ward went 41-12 and led the team to the 2008 National Championship. He accumulated 8,969 yards passing and 61 touchdowns during his career.
Atlanta is now tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the team with the most former Spiders. The only other team to have a Spider on its roster is the New York Giants, which signed defensive back Seth Williams as an undrafted free agent this past April.
Contact staff writer Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu
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