Ford attended Auburn University from 2009 to 2013. During his career, he had 19.5 sacks. As a senior in 2013, he was an All-SEC selection.

On January 25, 2014, Ford attended the Reese’s Senior Bowl and had an impressive performance after recording two combined tackles, two tackles for a loss, a pass deflection, and sacked Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas twice to help the South defeat the North 20-10. His Senior Bowl performance helped him raise his draft stock. NFL draft experts and analysts projected Ford to be a first or second round. He received an invitation to the NFL combine, but did not perform any physical drills after doctors recommended him sit out after issues stemming from a back injury he suffered in 2011. On March 4, 2014, Ford participated at Auburn’s pro day and was able to complete all of the combine and positional drills for team representatives and scouts. All 32 NFL teams had representatives present at Auburn’s pro day to scout Ford, Greg Robinson, and ten other prospects. He was ranked the second best defensive end prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com and Sports Illustrated and was ranked the third best defensive end by NFL analyst Mike Mayock.

Ford returned to his role as the backup outside linebacker in 2015, behind key veteran Hali and Houston. Ford missed Weeks 11-12 after suffering a back injury. During Week 13, Ford earned his first NFL start against the Oakland Raiders after Justin Houston suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss the rest of the season. Ford finished the 34–20 victory over the Raiders with a solo tackle. In the next game against the San Diego Chargers, he made a season-high seven solo tackles, defended a pass, and sacked quarterback Philip Rivers thrice in a 10–3 victory. Ford made his first career solo sack and marked a career-high with his three-sack performance.

On May 1, 2017, the Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option on Ford’s rookie contract that pays him $8.71 million in 2018.

Ford started in the season-opener against the New England Patriots and made four solo tackles in the 42-27 road victory. The following week, he earned two solo tackles and sacked quarterback Carson Wentz in a 27-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Ford was unable to play in Weeks 4-5 after sustaining a back injury. On October 15, 2017, he collected four combined tackles and a sack on Ben Roethlisberger, as the Chiefs were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score 13-19. Ford was placed on injured reserve on December 7, 2017.

On March 2, 2019, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Ford.

On March 12, 2019 the Chiefs agreed to a trade that would send Ford to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Ford would sign a five year contract worth $87.5 million after the trade was officially completed on March 13, 2019.

On October 3, 2020, Ford was placed on injured reserve with a neck and back injury.