BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 29, 2007 – Charlie Ward, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner from Florida State University who is the only Heisman winner to play in the NBA, was presented with the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame’s Tradition of Excellence Award at the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl Dinner, Sunday, in Boise, Idaho.

The annual award recognizes Heisman winners who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career bringing honor and distinction to the Heisman Trophy program. Ward is the 11th recipient of the award and the second recipient from the State of Florida.

"I'm grateful that my past has given me the opportunity to serve people," said Ward to a capacity Humanitarian Bowl Dinner audience that included 2007 Humanitarian Bowl teams Georgia Tech and Fresno State University.  

Tradition of Excellence Award winners are nominated by the Heisman Trophy Trust and presented with the award by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.

“Charlie Ward characterizes the competitive spirit, sportsmanship and integrity that are found among athletes from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Western Athletic Conference," said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl. "We are honored to join the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in welcoming Charlie to Boise, Idaho."

A model student-athlete at Florida State University, Ward won the 1993 Heisman as a quarterback on the way to leading the Seminoles to their first National Championship. In basketball, Ward was a leader on the floor leading FSU to the 1991-92 NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16.  He is a member of the Florida State University Football Hall of Fame and one of seven FSU football players to have their numbers retired.

Upon graduation, Ward was drafted by teams in the NFL and NBA and was selected as a pitcher in both the 1993 and 1994 Major League Baseball drafts.  He chose basketball after being selected by the New York Knicks in the first round (26^th pick overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft. He spent 10 of his 11-year NBA career as a point guard in New York, helping the Knicks reach the 1999 NBA finals.  Ward also played briefly with the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. 

He is currently an assistant coach for the varsity boy's basketball team at Westbury Christian High School in Houston, Texas.

Ward’s community service is extensive and includes dedication to youth advocacy, community outreach programs, and charitable volunteerism.  Throughout his career, the Thomasville, Ga. native has maintained involvement with many foundations and charities including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOPE worldwide, the Fannie Mae Foundation and the Giving Back Fund, which assists his aWard Foundation. He has also been a long-standing participant in the Starlight Foundation and the Garden's Cheering for Children Foundation.   

Others include the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Muscle Team Benefit, the First Choice Group (a grass roots organization that recruits and trains black and Latino professionals to be mentors) and the Services for the Undeserved benefit dinner, Children’s Miracle Network, Epilepsy Foundation, United Way, Say No to Drugs, American Heart Association and Police Athletic League.  An avid tennis player, Ward participated in the Arthur Ashe AIDS Tennis Challenge prior to the 1994 U.S. Open.  In 1998 he published the book "Winning By His Grace”.  

His awards are numerous and include 2006 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the 1993 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Maxwell Award, James E. Sullivan Award, Walter Camp Award and Davey O’Brien Award.  In 1999 he was named as one of The Sporting News' "Good Guys In Sports”.

About The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com), located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community. More than 35 sports-humanitarians have been enshrined in Boise, including tennis great Arthur Ashe, MLB pioneer Jackie Robinson, NFL coaching legend Tom Landry, the NBA's David Robinson, soccer great Pelé and the Harlem Globetrotters. The Hall was the inspiration behind Boise's Humanitarian Bowl, and its Humanitarian Awards program annually recognizes exceptional community-focused organizations and leaders from Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NCAA College Football and other organizations. The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is open weekdays to visitors and humanitarians of all ages.

Tradition of Excellence Award Winners

Nominated by the Heisman Trophy Trust and Presented by the World Sport Humanitarian Hall of Fame

2007                                  Charlie Ward, Florida State University (1993)

2005                 Danny Wuerffel, University of Florida (1996)

2004                 Steve Owens, University of Oklahoma (1969)

2003                 John Lattner, Notre Dame (1953)

2002                 U.S. Service Academy Heisman Winners;  Roger Staubach, Navy (1963), Joe Bellino, Navy (1960), Pete Dawkins, Army (1958), Glenn Davis, Army (1946), Felix “Doc” Blanchard, Army (1945)

2001                 Archie Griffin, The Ohio State University (1974, 1975)

2000                 Jim Plunkett, Stanford University (1970)