Garrett Ford Sr. facts for kids
 |
|||||||
| No. 32 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Running back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | May 4, 1945 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
||||||
| Died: | December 14, 2025 (aged 80) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland) | ||||||
| College: | West Virginia | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1968 / Round: 3 / Pick: 58 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Garrett William Ford Sr. (born May 4, 1945, died December 14, 2025) was an important figure in American football. He was a talented player, a dedicated coach, and a college sports leader. Born in Washington, D.C., he attended DeMatha Catholic High School. Ford played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He also played professionally for the Denver Broncos in the American Football League.
Ford earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from West Virginia University (WVU) in 1969. He later received a master's degree in guidance and counseling from WVU in 1973. After his playing career, Ford returned to WVU. He became an assistant football coach and an assistant athletics director. He made history as the first African American assistant coach at West Virginia University. Ford is also a member of the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. His son, Garrett Ford Jr., also became a starting running back for West Virginia.
Contents
Garrett Ford Sr.: A Life in Football
College Football Achievements
At West Virginia University, Garrett Ford Sr. set many records. He was the first Mountaineer player to gain over 2,000 rushing yards in his career. He also was the first to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. From 1965 to 1967, he ran for a total of 2,166 yards.
In 1965, Ford led his team in rushing with 894 yards. His junior year in 1966 was even better. He gained 1,068 rushing yards. This was the best record at WVU at that time. It still ranks as the fifth-best season in WVU history. Ford was one of only three running backs to lead WVU in total offense for a season over 35 years. He achieved this with 1,082 total yards in 1966.
Playing Professionally with the Denver Broncos
In 1968, the Denver Broncos drafted Garrett Ford Sr. He was chosen in the 3rd round as the 58th pick. Ford played for the Broncos for two years. He showed his skills as a professional football player during this time.
Returning to West Virginia University
After his professional playing career, Ford came back to his alma mater. He joined the Mountaineer Football staff in 1970. He became an assistant football coach under Bobby Bowden. This was a very important moment. Ford was the first Black assistant coach ever hired by the university.
His Many Roles at WVU
Garrett Ford Sr. took on several important roles at WVU. In 1977, he became an academic counselor. He helped student-athletes succeed in their studies. He was promoted to assistant athletic director in 1985. Later, in 2002, he became an associate athletic director. He dedicated over 44 years of service to the university.
Honored for His Contributions
Ford's hard work and dedication were recognized. He was inducted into the West Virginia University Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2004, he also entered the School of Physical Education Hall of Fame. These honors celebrate his impact on sports and education. In 2011, Ford announced his retirement from WVU. He left a lasting legacy at the university.
Family and Lasting Legacy
Garrett Ford Sr. shared his life with his wife, Thelma. They had two children, Tracie and Garrett Jr. His son, Garrett Jr., also followed in his footsteps. He became a football player for the Mountaineers. Ford and his wife were also proud grandparents to five grandchildren.
Garrett Ford Sr. passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 80. He is remembered for his pioneering spirit. He was a talented athlete, a respected coach, and a dedicated leader. His contributions to West Virginia University and to football left a significant mark.
