AVENTURA, Fla. — Jimmie Ward was one of the stars of the undefeated NIU team that lost to Florida State in the 2013 Orange Bowl —at the same site as Sunday’s Super Bowl.
This will feel different.
“It’s what you dream about as a child,” the 49ers safety said.
It didn’t always seem possible. He finished the previous three seasons on injured reserve with forearm, arm and shoulder injuries. Save a finger injury that cost him his first three games this year, though, he’s been healthy this season — and has started every remaining game at free safety.
“I just kept my head up and just kept working,” he said.
