as the sports editor for the Chicago Tribune and personal friend of the owner, Robert R. McCormick. He created the MLB All-Star Game, the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), the Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament and the College All-Star Game. Ward was twice offered the job as commissioner of the National Football League. He later feuded with the owners of the league and started the AAFC. He was involved in conservative political causes and as well as the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Ward was considered a dynamo with powerful contacts in American politics, church matters and journalism.