THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - Thomasville is home to one of the most recognizable athletes in the country.
Charlie Ward, Jr. was known as a triple threat. He won the Heisman Trophy while playing football at Florida State, played 12 seasons in the NBA, and was even drafted in Major League Baseball.
Ward grew up in Thomasville and was a star athlete at Thomas County Central High School. He said some of his best memories were competing against rival Thomasville High in all sports.
He brought the Heisman Trophy with him when he visited the Thomas County Library in February to sign copies of his biography.
Ward said the Rose Festival was a vivid part of his childhood and that it's a tradition that will always be around.
"It's been a while since I've been back to one, but I know it's still special in a lot of people's hearts and lives," said Ward. "A lot of great things come from it, and so, that's something that I will always remember as well -- one of the big traditions that Thomasville has."
Ward is closer to home these days. He recently accepted a job coaching the boys' basketball team at Florida High School in Tallahassee.
