Charlie Ward returned to Florida State on Sunday as the first-year coach of Florida A&M. He also received an honor with a pregame ceremony where his No. 12 jersey was retired.

“To be honored the way I am being honored was not the reason why I came to Florida State,” Ward said. “This honor is a byproduct of the work, the teammates and the coaching, that I was able to receive. God gave me the opportunity to have a platform. I am grateful to have the opportunity to play in this game 34 years later.”

Ward was surrounded by family and Pat Kennedy, his basketball coach from 1990-94.

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