Charvarius Ward

Ward attended McComb High School.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward, McComb , Cornerback |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Charvarius-Ward-82870/high-school-160065/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Blake |date=February 6, 2024 |title=McComb grad to play in Super Bowl |url=https://www.wjtv.com/living-local/live-at-9/mccomb-grad-to-play-in-super-bowl/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=WJTV}} As a senior, he tallied 48 tackles, one interception and received All-region honors.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward – Football |url=https://goblueraiders.com/sports/football/roster/charvarius-ward/6604 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Middle Tennessee State University Athletics}}

He enrolled at Hinds Community College.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward – Football |url=https://sports.hindscc.edu/sports/football/roster/charvarius--ward/1601 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Hinds Community College Athletics}} As a freshman, he collected 32 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 passes defended and one forced fumble. As a sophomore, he recorded 32 tackles, one interception, 2 passes defended and one blocked kick.

He transferred to Middle Tennessee State University for his junior season, appearing in 12 games with 2 starts, while making 26 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, one quarterback hurry and one fumble recovery. As a senior, he played in 13 games with 8 starts, posting 48 tackles (sixth on the team), 3 tackles for loss, one sack and led the team with 14 passes defended.

Ward did not receive an invitation to attend the NFL Combine. On January 20, 2018, Ward played the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2018 |title=American cornerback Charvarius Ward from Middle Tennessee during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/american-cornerback-charvarius-ward-from-middle-tennessee-news-photo/910368604 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Getty Images}} On March 12, 2018, Ward attended Middle Tennessee State's pro day and performed all of the combine and positional drills.{{Cite web |last=Fedotin |first=Jeff |date=March 21, 2022 |title=How 49ers Signee Charvarius Ward Went From Unwanted Prospect To $40 Million Man |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2022/03/21/how-49ers-signee-charvarius-ward-went-from-unwanted-prospect-to-40-million-man/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Forbes}} He had a stellar performance at his pro day which greatly elevated his draft stock.{{Cite web |last=Bedinger |first=Sayre |date=May 15, 2018 |title=Dallas Cowboys have UDFA gem in CB Charvarius Ward (Video) |url=https://nflmocks.com/2018/05/15/dallas-cowboys-udfa-gem-cb-charvarius-ward/ |access-date=November 14, 2019 |website=NFLMocks.com}} At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Ward was ranked as the 46th best cornerback prospect in the 2018 NFL draft by DraftScout.com.

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| note = All values from Middle Tennessee State Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward – CB – Middle Tennessee – 2018 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1018862&DraftYear=2018 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=DraftScout.com}}

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On April 30, 2018, the Dallas Cowboys signed Ward to a three–year, $1.71 million contract as an undrafted free agent that includes a signing bonus of $5,000.{{Cite web |last=Eatman, Nick |date=April 30, 2018 |title=Cowboys Agree to Terms With 18 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents; Full List |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2018/04/30/cowboys-agree-terms-18-undrafted-rookie-free-agents-full-list |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224428/https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2018/04/30/cowboys-agree-terms-18-undrafted-rookie-free-agents-full-list |archive-date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=September 2, 2018 |website=DallasCowboys.com}}{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Charvarius Ward contract| url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25525/charvarius-ward| access-date=March 14, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}}

Throughout training camp, Ward competed to be the fifth cornerback on the active roster against Marquez White, Duke Thomas, and Donovan Olumba.{{Cite web |last=Mullenax |first=Steven |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Dallas Cowboys: 10 Early Roster Bubble Candidates |url=https://thelandryhat.com/2018/08/06/dallas-cowboys-10-early-roster-bubble-candidates/ |access-date=November 13, 2019 |work=The Landry Hat}}

{{See also|2018 Kansas City Chiefs season}}

On August 30, 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs traded offensive guard Parker Ehinger to the Cowboys in exchange for Ward to provide needed depth for their offensive line.{{Cite web |last=Helman, David |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Rookie CB Charvarius Ward Traded To KC |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/rookie-cb-charvarius-ward-traded-to-kc |access-date=August 30, 2018 |website=DallasCowboys.com}} Head coach Andy Reid named Ward a backup cornerback and listed him as the fifth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Steven Nelson, Kendall Fuller, Orlando Scandrick, and Tremon Smith.{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Charles |date=September 4, 2018 |title=Chiefs release 1st unofficial depth chart of regular season |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/04/chiefs-release-1st-unofficial-depth-chart-of-regular-season/ |access-date=November 13, 2019 |work=Chiefs Wire|publisher=USA Today}} He was inactive as a healthy scratch for the first three games (Weeks 1–3) while he learned the playbook and acclimated himself to the pro game. By Week 4, he had surpassed Tremon Smith on the depth chart as the fourth cornerback.

On October 1, 2018, Ward made his professional regular season debut and recorded three combined tackles (two solo) during a 27–23 victory at the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 1st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810010den.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}} On December 23, 2018, Ward earned his first career start after Kendall Fuller was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery on his wrist.{{Cite web |last=Conner |first=Matt |date=December 23, 2018 |title=Kendall Fuller injury update: Chiefs cornerback will be game-time decision vs. Seahawks |url=https://arrowheadaddict.com/2018/12/23/kendall-fuller-injury-update-chiefs-seahawks/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Arrowhead Addict}}{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Charles |date=December 20, 2018 |title=Charvarius Ward is next man up at corner for Chiefs |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/20/chiefs-contingency-plan-at-corner-charvarius-ward/ |access-date=November 13, 2019 |website=Chiefs Wire|publisher=USA Today}} He recorded eight combined tackles (seven solo) and deflected a pass as the Chiefs lost 38–31 at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. The following week, he collected a season-high nine solo tackles and set a season-high with two pass deflections as the Chiefs routed the Oakland Raiders 35–3 in Week 17. He finished his rookie season with 30 combined tackles (26 solo) and three pass deflections in 13 games and two starts.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2018 NFL season first in the AFC West with a 12–4 record and earned a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2018 Kansas City Chiefs Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2018.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}} On January 12, 2019, Ward started in his first career playoff game and recorded four combined tackles (two solo) and had a team-high four pass deflections during a 31–13 win against the Indianapolis Colts in the American Football Conference (AFC) Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs – January 12th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901120kan.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}} On January 20, 2019, he made seven combined tackles (four solo) in the Chiefs' 37–31 loss against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. With 54 seconds remaining, Ward caught the game-ending interception to send the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIII, but the play did not stand due to an offside penalty by defensive end Dee Ford.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs – January 20th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901200kan.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2019 Kansas City Chiefs season}}

On January 24, 2019, the Chiefs announced Steve Spagnuolo as their new defensive coordinator, following the decision to fire Bob Sutton. Throughout training camp, Ward competed to be the No. 1 starting cornerback against Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, and Morris Claiborne. Head coach Andy Reid named him the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Bashaud Breeland.{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Charles |date=September 3, 2019 |title=Chiefs release first depth chart of 2019 season |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/03/kansas-city-chiefs-release-first-depth-chart-of-2019-regular-season/ |access-date=November 13, 2019 |work=Chiefs Wire|publisher=USA Today}}

On September 15, 2019, Ward made four combined tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, and made his first career interception on a pass attempt by Derek Carr to wide receiver Ryan Grant during a 28–10 win at the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – September 15th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201909150rai.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}} On October 13, 2019, Ward collected a season-high eight combined tackles (seven solo), made one pass deflection, and had a highlight reel one-handed interception while covering DeAndre Hopkins on a pass by Deshaun Watson during a 24-31 loss against the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – October 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201910130kan.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 11, he made two combined tackles (one solo) and set a season-high with three pass deflections during a 24–17 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers. On December 1, 2019, he recorded two solo tackles and scored two points on a extra points conversion when a extra points field goal attempt by Daniel Carlson was blocked by Tanoh Kpassagnon and then recovered by Ward for two points at the end of the fourth quarter of a 40–9 win against the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – December 1st, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201912010kan.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}} He finished the season with a total of 74 combined tackles (56 solo), ten passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2019 NFL season a top the AFC West with a 12–4 record to clinch a first-round bye. On January 12, 2020, he recorded four combined tackles (three solo) and broke up a pass as the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 51–31 in the Divisional Round. The following week, the Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans 35–24 in the AFC Championship Game to advance to the Super Bowl. On February 2, 2020, Ward started in Super Bowl LIV, making four combined tackles (three solo) and a pass deflection as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20. He earned the first and, thus far, only Super Bowl ring of his career.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIV – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 2nd, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202002020kan.htm |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2020 Kansas City Chiefs season}}

He entered training camp as the de facto No. 1 starting cornerback after Bashaud Breeland was suspended for the first four games.{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2020 |title=AP source: Chiefs' Breeland to miss 4 games to suspension |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/08/19/ap-source-chiefs-breeland-to-miss-4-games-to-suspension/113353966/ |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press}} Head coach Andy Reid named Ward and Rashad Fenton the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Charles |date=September 6, 2020 |title=Chiefs release first depth chart of 2020 season |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/lists/kansas-city-chiefs-release-first-depth-chart-2020-regular-season/ |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Chiefs Wire|publisher=USA Today}}

On September 10, 2020, Ward started in the Kansas City Chiefs' home-opener against the Houston Texans and made one solo tackle before exiting in the second quarter of the 34–20 victory due to an injury. He was inactive for a 23–20 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 due to a fractured hand.{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2020 |title=Chiefs could have defensive help back for game vs Ravens |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/09/24/chiefs-could-have-defensive-help-back-for-game-vs-ravens/114131142/ |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press}} On October 25, 2020, Ward collected a season-high nine combined tackles (seven solo) and had his first career sack on Drew Lock for a nine–yard loss during the 43–16 win at the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 25th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010250den.htm |access-date=October 30, 2020 |work=Pro Football Reference}} He was inactive as a healthy scratch during a 21–38 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 as head coach Andy Reid chose to rest his starters in preparation for the playoffs. He finished with 51 combined tackles (38 solo), one sack, and six passes defended in 14 games and 13 starts.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=March 18, 2021 |work=Pro Football Reference}} Pro Football Focus had Ward finish the season with an overall grade of 64.3.

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2020 NFL season first in the AFC West with a 14–2 record, clinching a first-round bye. The Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns 22–17 in the AFC Wild-Card Game. On January 24, 2021, Ward started in the AFC Championship Game and made seven combined tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection during a 38–24 win against the Buffalo Bills. On February 7, 2021, Ward started in Super Bowl LV and produced five combined tackles (three solo) as the Chiefs lost 31–9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LV – Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – February 7th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202102070tam.htm |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2021 Kansas City Chiefs season}}

On March 17, 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Ward.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=March 17, 2021 |title=Darious Williams only one of 26 RFAs in NFL to receive first-round tender |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/17/darious-williams-only-one-of-26-rfas-in-nfl-to-receive-first-round-tender/ |access-date=March 17, 2021 |website=NBCSports.com}} On June 10, 2021, the Chiefs signed Ward to his tender for a one–year, $3.38 million contract.{{cite news |author=Smith, Michael David |title=Charvarius Ward signs tender with Chiefs |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/10/charvarius-ward-signs-tender-with-chiefs/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=June 10, 2021 |access-date=June 16, 2021}} He returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback and was paired with L'Jarius Sneed.{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Charles |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Chiefs release first depth chart of 2021 NFL season |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/lists/kansas-city-chiefs-release-first-depth-chart-2021-regular-season/ |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Chiefs Wire|publisher=USA Today}}

He sustained a strained hamstring and was inactive for four games (Weeks 3–6).{{Cite web |last=Skretta |first=Dave |date=September 24, 2021 |title=Chiefs could be without Clark, Ward for game vs Chargers |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-los-angeles-chargers-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-e13b6d315e7072c0c7f34842343ec614 |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=AP News}}{{Cite magazine |last=Foote |first=Jordan |date=October 23, 2022 |title=KC Chiefs at SF 49ers NFL Week 7 Inactives: Who's In, Who's Out? – Sports Illustrated Kansas City Chiefs News, Analysis and More |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/gameday/kc-chiefs-at-sf-49ers-nfl-week-7-inactives-whos-in-whos-out |access-date=September 14, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} In Week 11, Ward made seven combined tackles (five solo), a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Dak Prescott to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb during a 19–9 win against the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward Soars to Intercept Dak Prescott's Deep Launch |url=https://www.chiefs.com/video/charvarius-ward-soars-to-intercept-dak-prescott-s-deep-launch |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Kansas City Chiefs}} In Week 15, he collected a career-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) and had two pass deflections during a 34–28 overtime victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers – December 16th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112160sdg.htm |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Pro Football Reference}} On December 20, 2021, he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.{{Cite magazine |last=Brisco |first=Joshua |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Travis Kelce, Charvarius Ward, Harrison Butker Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/news/kc-chiefs-te-travis-kelce-placed-on-reserve-covid-19-list |access-date=February 25, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} On December 23, 2021, the Chiefs removed him from the COVID-19/reserve list and added him to their active roster.{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Chiefs activate Chris Jones and Charvarius Ward off of their COVID-19/reserve list |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/chris-jones-charvarius-ward-off-covid-19-list/38605034 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=KMBC.com}} The following week, he made three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted an overthrown pass by Ben Roethlisberger intended for RayRay McCloud as the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36–10 in Week 16.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward Picks off Steelers' Flea-Flicker Pass |url=https://www.chiefs.com/video/charvarius-ward-picks-off-steelers-flea-flicker-pass |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Kansas City Chiefs}} He finished the season with 67 combined tackles (48 solo), two interceptions, and 10 pass defenses in 13 games and 12 starts.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01.htm |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Pro Football Reference}} He received an overall grade of 71.2 from Pro Football Focus in 2021.{{cite web| title=Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward named team's most improved player in 2021| url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2022/02/21/kansas-city-chiefs-charvarius-ward-named-most-improved-player-by-pff/79648045007/| access-date=March 15, 2025| website=chiefswire.usatoday.com}}

The Kansas City Chiefs ended the 2021 NFL season first in the AFC West with a 12–4 record to clinch a playoff berth. On January 16, 2022, he made six combined tackles (five solo) and a pass deflection during a 42–21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild-Card Game. They defeated the Buffalo Bills in a closely contested 42–36 overtime victory in the Divisional Round. On January 30, 2022, Ward started in the AFC Championship Game, recording five combined tackles (four solo) and one pass deflection as the Chiefs lost in overtime 27–24 against the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – January 30th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201300kan.htm |access-date=September 14, 2023 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2022 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On March 14, 2022, the San Francisco 49ers signed Ward to a three–year, $40.50 million contract that includes $26.62 million guaranteed, $18.06 million guaranteed upon signing, and a signing bonus of $12.02 million.{{Cite web|title=49ers Sign CB Charvarius Ward|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-cb-charvarius-ward|website=49ers.com|date=March 17, 2022|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320164128/https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-cb-charvarius-ward|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |last=Larrabee |first=Kirk |date=March 15, 2022 |title=5 things to know about new 49ers CB Charvarius Ward |url=https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/156860-things-know-about-new-49ers-charvarius-ward/ |access-date=August 18, 2022 |work=49ers Webzone}}

He entered training camp slated as the de facto No. 1 starting cornerback following the departure of Jason Verrett. Head coach Kyle Shanahan named him the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Emmanuel Moseley.{{cite web| title=Projected 49ers 2022 depth chart| url=https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/niners/2022/08/31/projected-san-francisco-49ers-2022-depth-chart/79660668007/| access-date=March 14, 2025| website=ninerswire.usatoday.com| author=Kyle Madson| date=August 31, 2022}}

On September 18, 2022, Ward made eight combined tackles (four solo), one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by running back DeeJay Dallas to wide receiver D. K. Metcalf during a 27–7 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2022 |title=Garoppolo comes off bench to lead 49ers past Seahawks 27–7 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401437605 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} In Week 5, he recorded four combined tackles (three solo) and a career-high four pass deflections during a 37–15 win at the Carolina Panthers. In Week 11, Ward collected a season-high ten combined tackles (nine solo) during a 38–10 win at the Arizona Cardinals. On December 15, 2022, he made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and returned his first career fumble recovery for 40–yards to set up a Christian McCaffrey touchdown during a 21–13 win at the Seattle Seahawks to secure the NFC West for the 49ers.{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Purdy, 49ers topple Seahawks 21–13, win NFC West |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401437901 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} He started in all 17 games for the first time in his career and had a career-high 87 combined tackles (59 solo), a career-high 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception.{{cite web|title=Charvarius Ward 2022 Game Log|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2022/|work=Pro Football Reference|access-date=December 14, 2023}}

{{See also|2023 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On February 9, 2023, the San Francisco 49ers hired Steve Wilks to be their new defensive coordinator after DeMeco Ryans accepted the head coaching position with the Houston Texans.{{cite web | last=Edholm | first=Eric | title=49ers hire former Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks as new defensive coordinator | website=NFL.com | date=2023-02-07 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/49ers-hire-former-panthers-interim-coach-steve-wilks-as-new-defensive-co | access-date=2024-10-02}} Head coach Kyle Shanahan named Ward the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Deommodore Lenoir.{{cite web| title=49ers release first unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1’s matchup against the Steelers| url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2023/9/5/23860369/49ers-steelers-nick-bosa-charlie-woerner-depth-chart| access-date=March 14, 2025| website=ninersnation.com| author=Kyle Posey| date=September 5, 2023}}

On September 10, 2023, Ward started in the San Francisco 49ers' season-opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers and made three combined tackles (two solo), a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Kenny Pickett to wide receiver Diontae Johnson during a 30–7 victory.{{cite web|title=Purdy throws 2 TDs in return from elbow surgery; 49ers drill Steelers 30–7 in season opener|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547405|website=ESPN.com|date=September 10, 2023|access-date=December 14, 2023}} The following week, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and broke up a pass during a 30–23 win at the Los Angeles Rams. In Week 13, Ward made five combined tackles (four solo) and set a season-high with four pass deflections during a 42–19 win at the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 17, 2023, Ward made three combined tackles (two solo), two pass deflections, a career-high two interceptions, and returned one for his first career touchdown during a 45–29 win at the Arizona Cardinals. He scored his first career pick-six during the first quarter after intercepting a pass by Kyler Murray to tight end Trey McBride and returned it 66–yards for his first career touchdown.{{cite web|title=McCaffrey scores 3 TDs and 49ers clinch NFC West with 45–29 rout of Cardinals for 6th straight win|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401547596|website=ESPN.com|date=December 18, 2023|access-date=December 18, 2023}} On December 31, 2023, he had four combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and set a new career-high with his sixth interception of the season on a pass by Sam Howell to wide receiver Terry McLaurin during a 27–10 win at the Washington Commanders. He started all 17 games for the second consecutive year and finished the season with a total of 72 combined tackles (56 solo), a career-high 23 pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions.{{cite web|title=Charvarius Ward 2023 Game Log|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2023/|work=Pro-Football-Reference|access-date=January 11, 2024}} His six interceptions to led the league in 2023.{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/leaders.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}} He earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career.{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/probowl.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}} He received an overall grade of 84.7 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked fifth among all cornerbacks.{{cite web| title=Best landing spots for PFF's top 15 free agents: Defense| url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-landing-spots-top-15-free-agents-defense-2025| access-date=March 15, 2025| website=PFF.com| date=January 23, 2024| author=Mason Cameron}}

The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2023 NFL season a top the NFC West with a 12–5 record. They defeated the Green Bay Packers 24–21 in the Divisional Round and went on to also defeat the Detroit Lions 34–31 in the NFC Championship Game. On February 11, 2024, Ward started in Super Bowl LVIII and made four combined tackles (three solo) in the 49ers' 25–22 overtime loss to his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVIII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 11th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202402110kan.htm |access-date=February 18, 2024 |work=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2024 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On February 14, 2024, the 49ers fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and promoted Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator in his place. Ward and Deommodore Lenoir returned as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.

In Week 3, he racked up a season-high nine combined tackles (six solo) during a 24–27 loss at the Los Angeles Rams. He was inactive during the 49ers' 36–24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football due to a knee injury.{{Cite web |last=Cohn |first=Grant |title=49ers CB Charvarius Ward Inactive with Knee Injury vs Seahawks |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/game-day/49ers-cb-charvarius-ward-inactive-with-knee-injury-vs-seahawks-01j9wa8fxkc3 |website=SI.com |date=October 10, 2024 |access-date=October 12, 2024}}{{cite web| title=Fox Sports: Charvarius Ward| url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/charvarius-ward-player-injuries| access-date=March 15, 2025| website=FoxSports.com}} He was inactive for three games (Weeks 10–12) due to a personal matter.{{Cite web |last=Pallares |first=Lindsey |title=Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa questionable for Week 10 vs Buccaneers; Injury Report #SFvsTB |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/christian-mccaffrey-nick-bosa-questionable-for-week-10-vs-buccaneers-injury-report-sfvstb |website=49ers.com |date=November 8, 2024 |access-date=November 24, 2024}}{{Cite web |title=49ers' Charvarius Ward: Won't return in Week 12 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/49ers-charvarius-ward-wont-return-in-week-12/ |date=November 22, 2024 |access-date=November 24, 2024}} He was also inactive during a 34–40 loss against the Detroit Lions in Week 17 due to a personal matter. He finished the 2024 NFL season with 54 combined tackles (38 solo) and seven passes defended in 12 games and 12 starts.{{Cite web |title=Charvarius Ward 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCh01/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He received an overall grade of 76.6 from Pro Football Focus.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Charvarius Ward| url=https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/charvarius-ward/43034| access-date=March 15, 2025| website=PFF.com}}

{{See also|2025 Indianapolis Colts season}}

On March 13, 2025, the Indianapolis Colts signed Ward to a three–year, $54 million contract that includes $35 million guaranteed, $27 million guaranteed upon signing, and also includes an initial signing bonus of $20 million. This deal will keep him under contract throughout 2027 and with incentives has a maximum value of $60 million.{{Cite web|last=Stankevitz|first=JJ|title=Colts agree to terms with free agent CB Charvarius Ward|url=https://www.colts.com/news/charvarius-ward-signed-nfl-free-agent-agency-cornerback-san-francisco-49ers-kansas-city-chiefs|website=Colts.com|date=March 12, 2025|access-date=March 12, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-cb-charvarius-ward|title= Colts sign CB Charvarius Ward |work=Indianapolis Colts|date=March 13, 2025}}

Ward prefers to go by his childhood nickname "Mooney", bestowed upon him by his mother.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Jennifer Lee |date=August 28, 2022 |title=Charvarius back at 49ers practice, wants to go by nickname |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/charvarius-back-at-49ers-practice-wants-to-go-by-nickname/1429106/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=NBC Sports Bay Area & California |language=en-US}} The origin of the name is not known by Ward or his mother. "Everybody in my family has got a nickname," he said. "Nobody gets called by their real name. It’s just a Mississippi thing, I guess."{{cite news |url=https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/49ers-reconvene-and-begin-process-of-determining-who-stays-and-who-goes/ |first=Jerry |last=McDonald |title=49ers reconvene and begin process of determining who stays and who goes |date=August 28, 2022 |work=San Jose Mercury News |publisher=The Press Democrat |access-date=January 3, 2024}}

Ward has had two children with his girlfriend, Monique Cook: Amani Joy (born November 7, 2022) and Charvarius Jr. (born on December 28, 2024). Amani was born prematurely and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and had also dealt with heart issues throughout her life. She died at the age of 1, on October 28, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Lenthang |first=Marlene |date=2024-10-30 |title=San Francisco 49ers star Charvarius Ward announces death of 1-year-old daughter |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/san-francisco-49ers-star-charvarius-ward-announces-death-1-year-old-da-rcna178040 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bonilla |first=David |date=2025-01-01 |title=49ers CB Charvarius Ward welcomes son into the world |url=https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/187763-49ers-charvarius-ward-welcomes-world/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=49ers Webzone |language=en}} Prior to Amani's surgery, Ward converted to Islam.{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=2024-02-05 |title=How 49ers’ Charvarius Ward was transformed through his daughter’s love |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/charvarius-ward-daughter-18646879.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226200408/https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/charvarius-ward-daughter-18646879.php |archive-date=2024-12-26 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}}

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• [https://www.colts.com/team/players-roster/charvarius-ward/ Indianapolis Colts bio]
• [https://goblueraiders.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6604 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders bio]
• [https://sports.hindscc.edu/sports/football/roster/charvarius--ward/1601 Hinds Eagles bio]

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Category:1996 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen

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Category:American football cornerbacks

Category:Dallas Cowboys players

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Category:People from McComb, Mississippi

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