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The Indianapolis Colts made an addition to their cornerback room that was much-needed entering this offseason.
General manager Chris Ballard wasted no time proving his point about being more aggressive, coming to an agreement on a three-year deal that is worth $60 million including $35 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus with former San Francisco 49ers corner Charvarius Ward.
Here are five things to know about the new addition to the Indy secondary:
Colts sign Charvarius Ward: Things to know
1. Charvarius Ward background
Ward is from McComb, Mississippi where he attended McComb High School. He earned All-Region honors and was voted the team’s top defensive back. In his final season, he registered 48 tackles and an interception.
Per 247Sports, Ward was a zero-star recruit and was not sought after by any major college programs.
2. Charvarius Ward college career
He began his college career taking the Junior College route at Hinds Community College. In his two JUCO seasons, he tallied 64 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick.
After his time at Hinds Community College, Ward transferred to Middle Tennessee State. He only started in two games in his junior season and finished with 26 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
Ward had a much better final college season. He played in all 13 games and had eight starts. He tallied 48 tackles, three TFLs, and 14 pass breakups. He would go on to play in the NFLPA Bowl after the season.
3. Charvarius Ward pro career
Similar to his college career path, Ward had to fight his way to earn his spot in the NFL. He went undrafted and signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Prior to his rookie season in 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs traded offensive guard Parker Ehinger in exchange for him.
He spent his first in a backup role but made two regular-season starts and had two playoff starts. In the following season, he was named as one of the starting cornerbacks and helped the Chiefs beat the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
He played two more seasons for Kansas City after that, which included another Super Bowl run when they lost the the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the 2021 season, Ward signed a three-year $42 million deal with the 49ers.
His best season in San Francisco was in 2023 when he was named to the All-Pro second team. Ward registered 72 tackles, two TFLs, 23 passes defended, and five interceptions. He played a major role in leading the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII.
4. Suffered an unfortunate loss
During this past season, Ward had to deal with a situation that no parent ever wants to experience. His daughter Amani Joy passed away in October after battling heart problems. Which is why Ward had to spend time away from the team in 2024.
Amani Joy was born with Down syndrome and two holes in her heart, one required surgery. Ward posted the following statement on Instagram.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” Ward wrote Tuesday on Instagram. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear. She taught us to have patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery. She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile. Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better. She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
5. Change with Charvarius
He has a foundation called Change with Charvarius. The organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families through providing advocacy, education, and research.
Ward also puts on an annual Joyful Giving Turkey Drive that he runs in his hometown of McComb, Mississippi.
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