Broncos Legend T.J. Ward to Announce Draft Picks

The Super Bowl 50 champion will return to the NFL draft stage to represent his former team.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player's celebration in the Broncos' team colors, with sharp geometric shapes and planes overlapping to create a dynamic, fragmented visual effect.The Broncos' championship legacy lives on as former safety T.J. Ward returns to the NFL draft stage to represent the team.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos have announced that former safety T.J. Ward, a key member of the team's Super Bowl 50 championship squad, will be in Pittsburgh next week to announce the Broncos' second-day draft selections. Ward, who spent three seasons with the Broncos from 2014-2016, is excited to reconnect with the team and its fans as the organization continues to build for the future.

Why it matters

T.J. Ward was a beloved player during his time in Denver, earning two Pro Bowl selections and helping anchor the Broncos' fearsome 'No Fly Zone' defense that led the team to a Super Bowl title. His return to announce draft picks symbolizes the strong connection he still has with the organization and its fanbase, and will no doubt energize Broncos Country as the team looks to add new talent through the draft.

The details

Ward, who was originally a second-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, signed with the Broncos as a free agent in 2014 and quickly became a key part of the team's championship run. He'll be back in Pittsburgh, the site of the 2026 NFL Draft, to announce the Broncos' second-day selections, which currently include the 62nd overall pick in the second round. Broncos general manager George Paton has indicated the team could look to move up in the draft, so Ward may end up announcing more than one Broncos pick during the event.

  • Ward will be in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25-26.
  • The Broncos currently hold the 62nd overall pick in the second round.

The players

T.J. Ward

A former safety who spent three seasons with the Denver Broncos from 2014-2016, earning two Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl 50 with the team.

George Paton

The current general manager of the Denver Broncos, who has indicated the team could look to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I will be in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft, announcing the Broncos' second-day picks. Let me tell you something: I cannot wait 'til this draft. I cannot wait to see the Broncos fans, and I cannot wait to see what players are joining Broncos Country. I will see you there. Go Broncos!”

— T.J. Ward, Former Broncos Safety

“You never say never, but it's unlikely. It would cost quite a haul for us to get up there. Most of our draft we would have to trade, and then something next year. I would say that it's unlikely, but we could certainly move up in the second [round].”

— George Paton, Broncos General Manager

What’s next

The Broncos will look to add key pieces to their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft, with T.J. Ward on hand to announce their second-day selections. Fans will be eager to see which players the team adds to help build on their Super Bowl 50 championship.

The takeaway

T.J. Ward's return to the NFL draft stage as a representative of the Broncos organization underscores his enduring legacy in Denver. Even though his time with the team was relatively short, his contributions to the team's championship run and his connection with the fanbase have cemented his status as a Broncos legend.