Bill Ard Named Wake Forest’s Member of 2023 ACC Football Honor's Class
11/7/2023 4:45:00 PM | Football
“I've been blessed in many ways, but when I got the call about being a part of the ACC Football Honor's Class on behalf of Wake Forest, I must say it's one of the greatest things as it relates to awards I've received in my life,” - Bill Ard
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Wake Forest football alum and Super Bowl champion, Bill Ard, will be honored as Wake Forest's member of the ACC Honors Class this year at a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1 in Charlotte.
"I've been blessed in many ways, but when I got the call about being a part of the ACC Football Honor's Class on behalf of Wake Forest, I must say it's one of the greatest things as it relates to awards I've received in my life," Ard said. "It is truly an honor, especially when I think about how many men have walked the halls of the football program at Wake Forest that have excelled on the field and later in life. Many thanks to everyone at the University who have supported me during my time as a student and as an alum."
Considered one of the top offensive linemen in Wake Forest history, Ard was an All-America selection in 1980, his third year as a starter. He was named All-ACC and was a recipient of the Bill George Award that same season while also serving as team captain. A letterman from 1977 through 1980, he was invited to the Senior Bowl and the Hula Bowl following his senior season.
Following his graduation, he enjoyed a very successful career in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl during his 10-year stint with the New York Giants before concluding his career with the Green Bay Packers. He was a starting guard for the Giants from 1981 to 1988 and played with the Packers from 1989 through 1991. He played in 148 career games during his 11-year pro career.
Ard was the starting left guard on the Giants' Super Bowl XXI championship team following the 1986 season.
He was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Ard and his wife Martha raised five children in the community of Watchung, N.J., where Ard grew up himself.
After spending nearly 30 years in the wealth management industry in the New York City metro area, Ard now is the Special Program Director for SAFR Sports, a protective helmet covers company, helping young athletes play football safely.
Bill Ard joins an iconic list of Demon Deacons to have earned this honor:
"I've been blessed in many ways, but when I got the call about being a part of the ACC Football Honor's Class on behalf of Wake Forest, I must say it's one of the greatest things as it relates to awards I've received in my life," Ard said. "It is truly an honor, especially when I think about how many men have walked the halls of the football program at Wake Forest that have excelled on the field and later in life. Many thanks to everyone at the University who have supported me during my time as a student and as an alum."
Considered one of the top offensive linemen in Wake Forest history, Ard was an All-America selection in 1980, his third year as a starter. He was named All-ACC and was a recipient of the Bill George Award that same season while also serving as team captain. A letterman from 1977 through 1980, he was invited to the Senior Bowl and the Hula Bowl following his senior season.
Following his graduation, he enjoyed a very successful career in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl during his 10-year stint with the New York Giants before concluding his career with the Green Bay Packers. He was a starting guard for the Giants from 1981 to 1988 and played with the Packers from 1989 through 1991. He played in 148 career games during his 11-year pro career.
Ard was the starting left guard on the Giants' Super Bowl XXI championship team following the 1986 season.
He was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Ard and his wife Martha raised five children in the community of Watchung, N.J., where Ard grew up himself.
After spending nearly 30 years in the wealth management industry in the New York City metro area, Ard now is the Special Program Director for SAFR Sports, a protective helmet covers company, helping young athletes play football safely.
Bill Ard joins an iconic list of Demon Deacons to have earned this honor:
- 2005: Safety Bill Armstrong, 1973-76
- 2006: Running Back James McDougald, 1976-79
- 2007: Quarterback Norm Snead, 1958-60
- 2008: Tight End John Henry Mills, 1988-92
- 2009: Running Back Bill Barnes, 1954-56
- 2010: Running Back Larry Hopkins, 1970-71
- 2011: Quarterback Larry Russell, 1969-71
- 2012: Linebacker Ed Stetz, 1969-71
- 2013: Quarterback Jay Venuto, 1979-80
- 2014: Running Back Alan White, 1959-61
- 2015: Kicker Chuck Ramsay, 1971-73
- 2017: Punter Ryan Plackemeier, 2002-05
- 2018: Center Steve Justice, 2004-07
- 2019: Offensive & Defensive Tackle Bob McCreary, 1958-60
- 2021: Wide Receiver Desmond Clark, 1995-98
- 2022: Wide Receiver Ricky Proehl, 1986-89
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