The Houston Texans' signing of Justin Forsett pointed to the end of Derrick Ward's two-year run with the team. On Monday, the veteran running back appeared to confirm it as fact on Twitter.
Was just told I didnt get resigned because I don't play special teams? Humm check 2004-2007 stats special teams demon. Oh well. ?#NextUp?....
- Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) June 4, 2012
Ward is referring to his time with the New York Giants, when he sporadically returned kicks for coach Tom Coughlin over parts of five seasons. Ward led the NFL in 2004 in averaging 27.3 yards per return.
Ward's tweet is interesting in that we don't usually hear from a player the reason a team gives for parting ways. In August, Ward will be 32, an age that could make it difficult for him to find work by training camp.
It also doesn't help that Ward is coming off his worst statistical season. Playing behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate, Ward averaged just 3.4 yards on 45 carries. His best season came in 2008, his last with the Giants, when he accounted for over 1,400 yards of total offense, led the league in averaging 5.6 yards per carry and landed a four-year, $17 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who later cut him after only one season.










