The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will open training camp next week on July 22, as rookies and veterans make their way to the NovaCare Complex.
Training camp is the next step in getting prepared for the regular season, as the established vets and starters work on getting into game shape, while undrafted free agents, rookies, and fringe players battle it out to earn a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
Over the last 5-7 years at Eagles training camp, there’s always one or two players who pop out of nowhere and make a name for themselves. Now, it might not earn them a spot on the 53-man roster immediately, but they lock in their practice squad slot.
Former Eagles WR Greg Ward Jr. Still Available After Playing in the UFL
One of those training camp surprise stories, who is still a free agent, is veteran wide receiver Greg Ward Jr.
Ward became a fan favorite during his Eagles’ tenure as he signed with the team in May 2017 following the 2017 NFL Draft. Ward, who played quarterback in college, made the transition to wide receiver and did enough in his first season to get on the practice squad.
The 5-foot-11 receiver bounced on and off the Eagles’ practice squad between the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Ward made his NFL debut during the 2019 season after playing in the defunct AAF with the San Antonio Commanders.
The former college quarterback appeared in nine games with the Birds, recording 28 receptions (40 targets) for 254 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles also utilized Ward on special teams as a punt returner.
After that, things took off for Ward in 2020. He had his best year in the NFL, becoming a go-to option for Carson Wentz and a rookie Jalen Hurts. Ward racked up 53 receptions (79 targets) for 419 yards and six touchdowns.
Ward couldn’t replicate that performance in 2021, as he had seven receptions (11 targets) for 95 yards and three scores.
That was the last time the veteran wide receiver played a regular-season snap with the Eagles as he bounced on and off the practice squad in 2022 and 2023. Last August, Ward generated some NFL interest as he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but didn’t make the final 53-man roster.
FIRST TD OF THE YEAR FOR GREG WARD‼️ pic.twitter.com/7Tl6X6MKWF
— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) April 20, 2025
However, Ward did not give up on his football dreams as he most recently played with the San Antonio Brahmas in the UFL. It was Ward’s second stint playing spring football. Ward didn’t put up huge numbers in the UFL due to inconsistent QB play and injury (seven receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown).
That said, it was great to see the former Eagle still playing football, and not quitting on his pro aspirations. It will be interesting to see if Ward receives any NFL interest this summer or if he decides to go back to the UFL.