Former Bronco T.J. Ward retires

T.J. Ward, the walk-on at Oregon who became a key part of Denver’s famed “No Fly Zone” secondary that helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50, officially announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Ward played eight seasons in the NFL, earning All-Rookie team honors, two trips to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. He last played for the Buccaneers in 2017, although he spent a month with the Cardinals last season.

“This period came fast, and yet it felt prolonged,” Ward wrote in an open letter. “We each have our own journey in this life and in this sport, and I proudly followed mine until my football path was complete.”

A second-round pick by the Browns in 2010, Ward played eight seasons in the NFL, including three in Denver, where he teamed with Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, Darius Stewart and Bradley Roby to form one of the best defensive backfields in the game.

The “No Fly Zone” was the backbone of Denver’s dominant defense that led the Broncos to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

“For sure, it’s the hallmark moment,” Ward told The Associated Press. “That team, that year was very special, and to finish against the No. 1 offense against the No. 1 defense — and being underdogs pretty much that whole season — and the group of guys and the relationships we built, the camaraderie will last a lifetime. So, I’m definitely fortunate to play with the group of guys I played with on that team.”