OXNARD, Calif. - Defensive tackle Jihad Ward didn't have an easy path to the NFL. His coast-to-coast journey began with empty pockets on New York City ferries, subways and buses and could conclude with him starting for the Cowboys.
Ward has been an early bright spot in Cowboys training camp, already earning a nickname from defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
Marinelli is calling him "Dr. J." Growing up in Philadelphia, Ward's friends called him "Haddy."
Ward is even prouder of his first name Jihad. He and his mother are Muslim.
"Jihad is a popular name in Philly in the community I'm from," Ward said.