Joe returned to Leeds Carnegie ahead of the 2012 season, following a year at Northampton Saints. Joe is a product of the Leeds Academy, joining the club from Rishworth School and was part of the Leeds side who won the Yorkshire Cup in 2009, when the club's U19 side beat four senior sides to win the Cup.

Joe is a meticulous goal kicker, spending many hours on the practice field perfecting his art. Joe made an impressive first team debut, scoring 18 of his sides 28 points in their win over Leicester Tigers in the Anglo Welsh Cup, with a try, two conversions and three penalties, winning the Man of the Match accolade for his efforts.

At Northampton he gained valuable experience, playing in the LV= and Heineken Cup campaigns and scored two conversions in his five first team appearances for the club.

In his first season back at Headingley Carnegie Joe featured 27 times for the club and scored 109 points.  He kicked 9 drop goals over the campaign, which is a Leeds club record.  His best tally in a game was 14 points, which helped the team earn a vital draw over Bedford Blues in the Play Offs.

Joe has represented Yorkshire and England up to U18 level, helping the England U18 side secure third place in the AER Championship in 2008.

He is the son of former England defensive coach Mike Ford and his brother George is a member of the Leicester Tigers squad.