Hines Ward comes from a mixed racial background and traces his heritage to his mother’s half-Asian lineage. Raised by his mother, Young He Ward, in Georgia as a single parent, Ward faced challenges due to his mixed race and Asian ethnicity from an early age. Despite enduring discrimination and bullying, his passion for football became a source of solace and new opportunities. Throughout his football career, including as a two-time Super Bowl champion, Ward achieved numerous accolades, such as being named Super Bowl XL MVP and retiring as one of the few NFL players with at least 1000 career catches.
Hines Ward’s Asian Descent
Hines Ward is of mixed race, with his heritage including half-Asian lineage. Born in the United States to a South Korean mother and an African-American father, Ward has openly discussed the prejudice he faced as an Asian athlete, sharing incidents like being labeled the “Jackie Chan of Football” and struggling to find acceptance due to his mixed ethnicity.
In 2006, Ward made his first visit to South Korea, where he received recognition from the South Korean President and expressed feeling more embraced there than in the United States. His experiences fueled his commitment to advocating for the rights of mixed-race youth, leading to his nomination to the Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by then-US President Barack Obama in 2010. The formation of the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation demonstrated his dedication to supporting multiracial youngsters facing prejudice, exemplifying his belief in embracing rather than being ashamed of one’s cultural heritage. Additionally, Ward’s foundation organizes programs such as sending Korean children to stay with American families during football season.
Hines Ward’s Family
Hines Ward, the coach of the San Antonio Brahmas, was born in Seoul, South Korea. His parents’ union dissolved early in his life, and he was primarily raised by his mother, who faced language barriers and worked in low-wage jobs. Reflecting on his family background, Ward emphasized his minimal contact with his father. In 2014, Ward married Lindsey Georgalas Ward, with whom he has a daughter named Londyn Capri Ward, born in August 2021. Prior to this marriage, Ward was married to Simone Ward, with whom he has a child named Jaden and also has a daughter named Jordyn from a previous relationship with Melanie Smith.
