RICHMOND, Ky. – Former Eastern Kentucky University safety Jaheim Ward has received rookie minicamp invitations from the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears, the organizations announced Sunday.

Ward, a recent EKU graduate, earned the opportunities following a standout two-year career with the Colonels, where he appeared in 24 games, totaling 148 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.

A consistent playmaker in the secondary, Ward collected multiple postseason honors during his time in Richmond. He was a two-time All-United Athletic Conference selection, a two-time Phil Steele All-UAC honoree, and earned Phil Steele All-America and FCS Central All-America recognition.

Ward also impressed scouts during EKU's Pro Day on March 24, posting a 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash, a mark that would have ranked among the top five safeties at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also competed in the 14th-annual Dream Bowl College Football All-Star Game on January 11 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

"Extremely excited for Jahiem," said EKU head football coach Walt Wells. "He has earned these opportunities and I'm confident that he will do great."

One of the top defensive backs in the FCS, Ward capped his collegiate career with a dominant senior season in 2025. He recorded a career-best 82 tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception while anchoring EKU's backfield.

Ward opened the season with eight tackles and a tackle for loss at Louisville, before posting a career-high 12 tackles and forcing a fourth-quarter fumble on the road against Marshall.

He added three more games with eight or more tackles against Nicholls State, Austin Peay, Southern Utah and closed the season strong in the final four games with four pass breakups and a 37-yard interception return against Utah Tech.

In 2024, Ward again appeared in 12 games, totaling 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one interception. He recorded 11 tackles against Southern Utah and followed with 10 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery at Abilene Christian.

Ward heavily contributed to EKU's 23rd trip to the NCAA FCS Playoffs with two tackles in the opening round against No. 11 seed Villanova.

Prior to his time at EKU, Ward spent three seasons at Austin Peay from 2021–23, appearing in 23 games and recording 39 tackles.

A native of Moultrie, Georgia, Ward will look to continue his football career at the professional level, following in the footsteps of his brother, Jay Ward, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and has since appeared in 50 games with 41 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Ward is scheduled to participate in rookie minicamps with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears from June 9–11.