TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a groundbreaking moment for both sports and academics, Florida State University has announced that Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward will serve as a Visiting Professor in Character & Sport, marking the first time a former Seminole athlete will teach a faith-based course on sports ethics at the university.
The course, titled “Leadership, Faith & Integrity in Sport,” will be offered to student-athletes and general students alike, covering topics such as decision-making under pressure, servant leadership, character development, and how personal faith shapes performance and purpose.
Ward, who famously led FSU to a national championship in 1993 before opting for a professional basketball career in the NBA, has long been known for his humility, leadership, and deep Christian faith. While he’s no stranger to mentoring young people, stepping into a university classroom marks a new chapter in his lifelong mission to impact lives beyond the scoreboard.
“This is not about teaching Xs and Os,” Ward told students during a welcome session at the university’s student-athlete center. “It’s about helping you become the kind of person who honors God, respects others, and leads with integrity—on and off the field.”
The course filled up in less than 10 minutes after enrollment opened. Many students say they were drawn not just by Ward’s legendary status, but by the chance to hear from someone who’s lived at the intersection of elite athletics and real-world faith.
“I grew up hearing about Charlie Ward,” said one junior football player. “But now I get to learn from him—and not about football, but about how to be a man of character. That’s life-changing.”
FSU’s Athletics Department partnered with the College of Human Sciences and Spiritual Life to launch the initiative, which also includes small-group mentorship circles led by Ward throughout the semester.
Though soft-spoken, Ward’s presence on campus has sparked excitement among current and former players alike. Several Lady Noles athletes have already asked to audit the class, and coaching staff across multiple sports have encouraged their athletes to attend his guest lectures.
For Charlie Ward, this isn’t a comeback—it’s a calling.
And for the next generation of Seminoles, it’s a rare opportunity to be coached by one of the greatest leaders the university has ever produced.
