Where Are They Now: Tyler Ward

MACON, Ga. – We all know about the great accomplishments that Mercer student-athletes have achieved during their time as a Bear, but what are they up to after they graduate? Today, we take a look inside former Mercer football student-athlete Tyler Ward and his career after Mercer.

Ward was a member of the Bears throughout the first four years of the program's resurgence from 2013-16, and appeared in 46 games as a linebacker. A Macon native, Ward was named to the Pioneer League Academic Honor Roll in 2013 before earning a pair of Capital One Academic All-District First Team honors in 2014 and 2015. During the 2014 season, Ward recorded a team-best 104 tackles. Following his sophomore season, Ward was named to the All-SoCon Second Team by the media. For his four year career, he had 331 tackles.

Why did you choose Mercer?
Being from Macon, Mercer simply felt like home. I had no intention of staying close to home when considering colleges, but after visiting Mercer and getting to know the staff it was an easy choice as to where I'd be spending my next four years.

What is your fondest athletic memory at Mercer?
Off the field: Our basketball team beating Duke and the whole town shut down for two days.
On the field: Beating #3 Chattanooga at home in my junior year.

Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Mercer and how?
I had several great influences, but I'd have to say, Coach Lamb. We are very close, which I believe is rare to have that kind of relationship with a head coach at that level.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Mercer?
I learned that there will always be adversity and nothing in life is easy. I watched close to 100 guys walk in and out of that locker room over my 4 years. This allowed me to realize that I can make it through anything life throws at me and not to walk out when things got tough.

What advice would you give to current members of the team you played for?
Commit to the game, and it will commit to you. Playing football for Mercer is one of the best things that could ever happen to a player, but you have to commit and put 100% into each day to reap the benefits.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Andy Digh. Dr. Digh was only my professor for one of my freshmen core classes but was a mentor throughout my entire college career. He is the epitome of what a mentor should be. He and I are still close to this day, and it's not just me that's special. He cares for all his students this way.

Where do you live now?
I still live in Macon, Ga.

What is your occupation?
I am a Sales Representative for the Caterpillar dealer, Yancey Brothers, representing the State of Georgia.

What have you done since graduating? (Life, Career, etc.)
I landed a job with Yancey before graduating from Mercer and have been with them since. I still live with my former teammate, Bret Neiderreither.

Where do you see yourself in the future with your career?
As of right now, I see myself growing in this company and building a long successful career. I'm not sure if I'll always remain in Macon and only time will tell.

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming years?
To be the best employee, man, husband, and father. Everything else will take care of itself.

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