From track star to NFL speedster: the dual-threat career of Ted Ginn Jr.
In short: Before he was a standout wide receiver in the NFL, Ted Ginn Jr. was a national track champion. His explosive speed, once aimed at the 2008 Olympics, eventually fueled a 14-season professional career and a historic run of special teams dominance.
Ted Ginn Jr. entered the professional ranks with a reputation for elite athleticism. During his high school years at Glenville in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a standout in both football and track. He was a national champion in the 110-meter hurdles and a state champion in the 200 meters, clocking a time of 21.51 seconds. This raw speed made him a highly touted prospect, leading to his selection as the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins.
His professional journey was marked by both brilliance and controversy. In Miami, his selection over quarterback Brady Quinn was met with significant criticism from fans and teammates. However, Ginn proved his worth through special teams mastery. In 2009, while struggling as a wide receiver, he tied an NFL record by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in a single game—both for distances of 100 yards and 101 yards.
Over 14 seasons in the NFL, Ginn played for several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers. His versatility allowed him to transition from a defensive back in high school to a wide receiver and return specialist in the pros. Beyond his playing days, Ginn has transitioned into coaching, currently serving as the head coach for the Columbus Aviators in the United Football League (UFL).
Ginn's legacy is cemented by his induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing a career that spanned from the track to the highest levels of professional football.
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