Derrick Ballard

Derrick Ballard (born December 8, 1981, in Madison, Georgia) is a Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Memphis.

Ballard has also been a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Amsterdam Admirals and Toronto Argonauts.

Early years
Born in Madison, GA. Named to the Georgia Sportswriter's All-State team following senior season at Morgan County High School in Madison, GA Played both running back and defensive back. Received All-Area, All-Region and All-State accolades in soccer and basketball.

College career
Four-year letterman at Memphis who played his first three years at linebacker before switching to safety for his senior season. Closed out career with 314 tackles (227 solos), 31 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks. Added 5 interceptions and recovered 3 fumbles while starting 39 of 45 games. Named to the All-Conference USA third-team after senior season in which he ranked fifth on the team with 91 tackles. Recipient of the Highland Hundred co-Defensive Player-of-the-Year Award.

Chicago Bears
Originally signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2004. Waived by the Bears on August 27. Signed to the Bears practice squad on December 16.

Waived by the Bears on September 2, 2005.

First stint Amsterdam Admirals
Allocated by the Bears to NFL Europe and drafted by the Amsterdam Admirals in round 6. Started all 10 regular season games for the Admirals recording 26 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and 8 special teams stops. Helped Amsterdam to victory over Berlin in World Bowl XIII.

Atlanta Falcons
On December 15, 2005, he was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Re-signed by the Falcons on January 2, 2006. Allocated by the Falcons to NFL Europe on January 11, Assigned by NFL Europe to the Amsterdam Admirals on January 27.

Second stint with the Amsterdam Admirals
Started all 10 regular season games and World Bowl XIV which was lost to Frankfurt. Set NFL Europe record with 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Berlin in week 1. Released by the Falcons on August 15, 2006. Re-signed by the Amsterdam Admirals in November through the Player Continuity Program.

Toronto Argonauts
On February 11, 2009, Ballard was signed by the Toronto Argonauts. He was released on June 19, 2009.