2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Yemi Ward, WR, St. Ambrose University

Name: Yemi Ward
Position: WR
College: St. Ambrose University
Height: 6’0
Weight: 190
Twitter: yauno_1
Instagram: yemi.uno

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

My versatility and my mentality are what makes me a top wide receiver prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. I can play outside the numbers and in the slot and I refuse to be outworked. I have a drive to be the best at whatever I do and I think that is what sets me apart from other players who are just physically gifted.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was first interested in the sport of football at 6 years old. That is when I began playing and ever since I have been in love with the game.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that they are getting someone who will do anything it takes to contribute to the team so that the team can be successful and myself by extension. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to help underprivileged youth by volunteering time and money to offer these youth with the opportunity to pursue their football goals and dreams without the financial barrier to hold them back.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received was to be where your feet are. It is easy to plan ahead and focus about the future, but to appreciate the present moment that you are in and make the most out of it has been the best advice I have received.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was my mom. She is a single mother who has taken care of me and my 2 younger siblings all by herself and has been easily the biggest inspiration of my life. The adversity that I have seen her go through in her life has inspired me and I would love the opportunity to give back everything she has provided for me.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most underrated teammate in my locker room at my school is Donte Sibley. He plays corner who came to St. Ambrose with me in 2019 and we have made each other better every year. He is somebody who is going to put his head down and work but he is an even better leader from the way that he carries himself.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is people who complain about situations that they can control.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever is Dr. Hu who was my professor for most of my sports management classes at St. Ambrose. He is somebody who you can talk to about anything and wants to you to reach your full potential in life.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life to overcome was the passing of my great grandma. I was 10 years old; she went to my grandma’s house to spend time with me while my mom and grandma had to go to Wisconsin for a banquet. The day went by just like any other day but that night she started having trouble breathing. I tried everything I could do to help her, my mom told me to call 911 and that’s what I did. I saw her struggling to breathe and her inhaler wasn’t helping her. The ambulance came and took her out of the house in a stretcher. My aunt came to get from down the street once the ambulance got her and took me to her house as my mom and grandma rushed back from Wisconsin. I remember when my mom picked me up in the middle of the night and told me that she didn’t make it how heartbroken it made. I felt like I let my family down after I did all that I could. That was the hardest moment of my life.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

I love the coaches at St. Ambrose, specifically coach DQ is somebody who I give a lot of credit to in my development since I have been here. He has coached me ever since I have arrived and he has continued to push me and add fuel to the fire that I already had burning to be successful.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

If I could have any franchise restaurant in my house it would be Culver’s.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack is Gushers.

What is your degree in?

My degree is in Sports Management.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Anything that I lack in natural ability I make up in work ethic and perseverance.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL, who would it be?

I would compare my play similar to Ja’Marr Chase.

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

My favorite game to play at the carnival is the basketball game.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive, I would have dinner with Kobe Bryant, Michael Vick, and Michael Jordan. Growing up Kobe was my favorite basketball player and I would love to talk to him about his mentality towards the game. Michael Vick is my favorite football player of all time so talking about the adversity he has went through in his life would be interesting to hear. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time and also being a Bulls fan, myself getting to talk about the championships he won in Chicago and what it took to get there would be special.