John Wade (2010) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame

John Wade

Induction:
2010
Class:
1997

As a center paving the way for some of the most potent offenses in Marshall history, John Wade helped the Thundering Herd win the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA national title and then transition successfully into the Division I-A ranks to immediately win the Mid-American Conference championship in 1997. Wade was a first team all-league selection in both the Southern Conference and the MAC, as he helped block for running backs Chris Parker, Erik Thomas and Doug Chapman compile 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Wade went on to be selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 1998 NFL Draft and became a starter for several seasons with Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Oakland over an 11-year NFL career. Following his playing days, Wade returned to his native Harrisonburg, Va., to take over ownership of his father’s automobile dealership. Wade was inducted into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.