Former QB Ward turns into Eagles’ top receiver

“I am truly blessed, and I am thankful. I have been working a lot just to be able to make that play. I am just grateful.”

PHILADELPHIA » Greg Ward outplayed Patrick Mahomes to win a district championship in high school and was a star quarterback in college before converting to wide receiver in the pros and getting cut three straight years in training camp.

Now, Ward is the most reliable wideout on the Philadelphia Eagles after spending two-plus seasons on the practice squad.

It’s been quite a journey for the 24-year-old who caught his first career touchdown pass with 32 seconds remaining Sunday to put Philadelphia ahead against Washington in a game the Eagles ended up winning 37-27.

“You always think about big catches like that,” Ward said. “It is truly a blessing to be in that position and in that environment. I am truly blessed, and I am thankful. I have been working a lot just to be able to make that play. I am just grateful.”

The victory kept the Eagles (7-7) in position to win the NFC East. They’ll host Dallas (7-7) this week with the division on the line.

Ward threw for 8,704 yards and 52 TDs, completing 67.8 percent of his passes in four seasons at the University of Houston. He also ran for 2,381 yards and 39 TDs. But Ward wasn’t drafted and had to earn a spot on Philadelphia’s practice squad in 2017. He got a Super Bowl ring that season but was cut twice in 2018. He played for San Antonio in the Alliance of American Football earlier this year before the league quickly shut down.

Ward returned to the Ea

ALEX BRANDON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Ward (84) catches a touchdown pass beating out Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday in Landover, Md. The Eagles won 37-27.