collaboration with British pop star Leona Lewis.

"I certainly knew there was going to be some shock value," the 21-year-old told the Associated Press. "Musically, I definitely took a risk; I took a chance. I wanted to do something new. But it was also something that I knew I was comfortable with, and so I'm really happy"

And if raising eyebrows makes him happy, then he must be ecstatic over the first video single from his new album, "Departure." The well-received video, for "Leavin'," shows a lot of skin from both him and a bed-romping model.do on defense.”

In making preparations simpler this week, Ward also made them more fun. He called for a one-on-one drill in practice Tuesday that was a hit with the players. He has also seemed to get through to the players with his message to loosen up Saturday.