Cleveland Browns Safety T.J. Ward's Inteview with B/R's Greg Swartz

Cleveland Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward has been a standout this season, racking up a team leading 80 tackles, while often punishing opponents with his crushing blows.

What could a man like this possibly struggle with?

"Homework," said Ward.  "Man, I hated homework growing up, but you gotta do it.  It makes the rest of school so much easier." 

Ward addressed school and other subjects while speaking at Garfield Elementary School in Cleveland on Tuesday morning, as part of the NFL's "Take a Player to School Day".  He also took the time to sit down to do an interview with myself, after his assembly concluded.

Ward was greeted by hundred's of screaming young fans and shared stories of growing up on the west coast in San Francisco, attending a catholic middle school and being part of his high schools 151 game win streak.

He had plenty of advice to give out as well.

"Growing up, I was always taught to be respectful, put God first and listen to teachers.  Teachers care about you, they really do."

He admitted that the future wasn't always clear for him and that it was always his dream to play football, but he didn't know if that dream would ever become a reality.

"I wasn't always the best, but I always tried hard," Ward said.  "I had a knee injury in high school and didn't even know if I would go to college.  I had to walk on at the University of Oregon."

He stressed to the students that while sports are fun, they shouldn't put all their focus into them because of the highs and lows that go along with being an athlete.

Ward didn't start until his junior year at Oregon and continued to battle injuries.  He shared that he would often be depressed about his bad luck, but never gave up.

"I made sure I got my college degree because I knew that if I continued to get injured, I could always have that to fall back on.  It was very important to me."

Motivation has never been a problem for Ward, as coming out of Oregon analysts tabbed him as a 3rd, 4th or, possibly, even a 5th round pick.

"I didn't know where I was going to go, but hearing Jim Brown call my name and being drafted in the second round by the Browns has really been a dream come true."

When asked about his favorite part about playing for the Browns, Ward's answer was quick and direct.

"The fans. The fans and the whole community has been so supportive."

Ward, who has spent nearly his entire life on the west coast, revealed that he has settled into the area nicely and currently lives in Strongsville.  His early success on the field isn't something he's surprised with, but it's not something he takes for granted either.

"I'm really fortunate to do as well as I am, but I'm not going to say my expectations were to do any less.  I always have high expectations for myself so I'm just glad it's coming to fruition and all my hard work is paying off."

Despite the teams recent close losses to the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars, Ward assures that the team morale is still high.

"We've had some close losses, but every week is a different week for us. We don't really look at the past and dwell on it.  We just look try to look toward the next game and get a W."

T.J. also channeled his inner dietitian when tackling a question from a student.  When asked about his diet and nutrition, he added with a smile, "I try to avoid fast food."

All together, Ward spent over an hour talking to students, sharing advice, posing for pictures and signing hundreds of autographs for students, many who just had a single piece of notebook paper with them.

Even when the assembly ended Ward stayed afterwards, signing footballs to be given away as prizes for students who achieved merit and honor roll status.

Browns fans should be relieved to know that as nasty as their newest star can be on the field, he's just as nice off it it.

Just please, no more homework assignments.