Redblacks’ rookie kicker little man with big leg
Lewis Ward always believed he could succeed in the CFL, but the Ottawa Redblacks rookie kicker admits he’s exceeding even his own lofty expectations.
The 26-year-old Kingston native has made a stunning 45 straight field goals heading into Saturday’s road game versus Hamilton. Ward broke NFL star Adam Vinatieri’s pro football mark of 44 consecutive kicks with a 52-yard boot in last weekend’s 35-31 home win over the Ticats.
Ward has converted 48-of-49 attempts (98 per cent) this season. His lone miss was from 48 yards out in Ottawa’s seasonopening 40-17 home win over Saskatchewan on June 21.
An impressive feat, especially by a player who returned to the University of Ottawa last fall after being bypassed in the 2017 CFL draft.
“Coming into training camp, I felt I was able to be successful, I had that confidence in myself,” Ward said. “But I’m a little surprised by some of what I’ve accomplished so far, absolutely.
Ottawa went to camp with kicking vacancies after incumbent Brett Maher, an American who did all three jobs last year, joined the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Ward was a long-shot to make the roster, as CFL veterans Richie Leone and Sergio Castillo, both Americans, were expected to battle for the kicking duties.
Castillo was bothered by a calf injury during camp and ultimately released as Ottawa opted to split the duties between Ward (field goals) and Leone (punts).
GM Marcel Desjardins admits he didn’t see Ward’s stellar rookie campaign coming.
“I don’t think anybody could’ve. We knew he was a good kicker at the U Sports level and did many great things at Ottawa. We obviously saw him up close on many occasions but you can’t predict this type of thing.”
Despite those numbers, two CFL scouts requesting anonymity said Ward’s measurables — he’s generously listed at five foot seven — and questions about his leg strength worked against Ward in the ’17 draft.
So Ward attended Ottawa’s camp with a chip on his shoulder.
“I wanted to come in and prove to the league I could be one of the most consistent guys and I think I’ve shown that. That’s my strength, being consistent.”