Jimmie Ward bids farewell to 49ers faithful with heartfelt social media post
Mar 23, 2023, 3:01 PM | Updated: 6:39 pm
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Jimmie Ward #1 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after breaking up a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
After nine seasons in the Bay, safety Jimmie Ward is officially moving on from the San Francisco 49ers.
The former 49ers defensive back gave his final goodbye to the Bay Area this week, posting a heartfelt message to his Instagram page. The farewell officially signals that he has moved on to another team, signing with the Houston Texans for two seasons. But that doesn’t mean he has left The City behind, showing much gratitude for that organization that made his NFL dream a reality.
“As I sit down to write this message, I find it difficult to express the depth of gratitude and appreciation that I feel for the nine amazing years that I have spent playing for this organization,” Jimmie Ward wrote on social media Wednesday. “Being a part of the 49ers has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and it is with a heavy heart that I now say goodbye.
“To the organization: Thank you for drafting me all those years ago and giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL Thank you for your unwavering support, your encouragement, and your guidance throughout the years. You have been more than just a team to me – you have been a family. I am forever grateful for the memories we have shared, and I will always cherish the friendships that I have made within this organization.”
View this post on Instagram
Ward also took time to thank 49ers Faithful, showing his love for the Red & Gold fanbase after almost a decade in the Bay.
“To the faithful fans: Thank you for your incredible support over the years,” Ward continued. “Your passion for the game and your dedication to the team have been nothing short of inspiring. You have been there for us through the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses, and your unwavering support has meant the world to me. Playing in front of you has been an honor, and I will never forget the moments we shared together.
“Although I may be moving on to a new team, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the San Francisco 49ers and the faithful family. I am proud to have been a part of this incredible organization, and I will carry the lessons that I have learned here with me for the rest of my life.
“Thank you for everything.”
Jimmie Ward, 31, was the 49ers’ longest-tenured player on the roster, drafted by the team in 2014. Playing nine seasons and 115 games in Red & Gold, Ward’s veteran presence was a key foundation for the organization.
Last season was a bit unusual for Ward, suffering a significant hamstring injury in the preseason. Missing five regular season games, Ward was thrust into the nickel-back position thanks to the play of Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson. Playing out of position in 2022, the veteran DB was still productive, racking up 50 combined tackles, five passes defended and three INTs.
Three jersey numbers and nine seasons, but there's only ☝️ Jimmie Ward
🎥 @NFL pic.twitter.com/D17E0YbICj
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 21, 2023
Ward joins former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans in Houston, inking a two-year, $13 million deal to play safety for the Texans.
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