Denzel Ward
{{Short description|American football player (born 1997)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Denzel Ward
| image = Denzel Ward charity 2021 (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Ward in 2021
| current_team = Cleveland Browns
| number = 21
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|4|28}}
| birth_place = Macedonia, Ohio, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lb = 190
| high_school = Nordonia
(Macedonia, Ohio)
| college = Ohio State (2015–2017)
| draftyear = 2018
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 4
| pastteams =
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2018}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- 4× Pro Bowl (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
- Consensus All-American (2017)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2017)
| statleague = NFL
| statweek =
| statseason = 2024
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 322
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 0.5
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 4
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 6
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 95
| statlabel6 = Interceptions
| statvalue6 = 17
| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 4
| pfr = W/WardDe02
}}
Denzel Nehemiah Ward (born April 28, 1997) is an American professional football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Early life
Ward attended Nordonia High School in Macedonia, Ohio.{{Cite web |last=Rozboril |first=Robert |date=July 19, 2014 |title=Nordonia WR Denzel Ward is bound for Ohio State, has sights set on higher goals: 31 in 31 football series |url=http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/9181870189566813253/nordonia-wr-denzel-ward-is-bound-for-ohio-state-has-sights-set-on-the-league-31-in-31-football-series/ |access-date=April 26, 2018 |website=Cleveland.com}} He played cornerback and wide receiver for the Knights football team. He also played basketball and ran track. As a senior at the Division 1 region 1 finals, he ran a personal best time of 10.49 seconds in the 100 meters, placing 1st. His personal best in the 200 meters is 21.38 seconds, in which he placed third at the state championships. He committed to Ohio State University to play college football.{{Cite web |last=Beaven |first=Michael |date=June 19, 2014 |title=Nordonia's Denzel Ward commits to play football at Ohio State |url=https://www.ohio.com/akron/sports/nordonia-s-denzel-ward-commits-to-play-football-at-ohio-state |access-date=April 26, 2018 |website=Ohio.com}}
College career
Ward attended and played college football at Ohio State under head coach Urban Meyer.{{Cite web |title=Denzel Ward College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/denzel-ward-3.html |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} As a true freshman at Ohio State in 2015, Ward played in 12 games, recording seven tackles.{{Cite web |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Denzel Ward is Ohio State's fastest player, but is that enough to start for the Buckeyes? |url=http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2016/03/denzel_ward_is_ohio_states_fas.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |website=Cleveland.com}}{{Cite web |last=Jablonski |first=David |date=March 28, 2016 |title=Ohio State football: Speedy CB Ward ready to emerge |url=http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/sports/college/ohio-state-football-speedy-ward-ready-emerge/Nsf9sRqV578WMGCLt0JtVL/ |access-date=June 11, 2018 |website=Dayton Daily News}} As a sophomore in 2016, he played in all 13 games and had 23 tackles. Ward became a starter as a junior in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Landis |first=Bill |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Is Denzel Ward, now Ohio State's top corner, actually as good as Marshon Lattimore? |url=http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/03/is_denzel_ward_now_ohio_states.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |website=Cleveland.com}}{{Cite web |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=August 19, 2017 |title=The top 50 Ohio State football players for 2017: No. 10, CB Denzel Ward |url=http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/08/the_top_50_ohio_state_football_42.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |website=Cleveland.com}} Entering the 2018 NFL draft, Ward decided not to play in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.{{Cite news |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=December 29, 2017 |title=Denzel Ward, Ohio State cornerback and likely first-round pick, sitting out Cotton Bowl |work=Cleveland.com |url=http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/12/denzel_ward_ohio_state_cornerb.html}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||
| colspan="15" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Ohio State Buckeyes}}" |Ohio State Buckeyes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"|Year | rowspan="2"|GP | colspan=5 |Tackles | colspan=6 |Interceptions | |||||||
| Total | Solo | Ast | Sck | SFTY | PDef | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs |
| 2015
| 11 || 7 || 5 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || || 0 | ||||||||||
| 2016
| 13 || 23 || 12 || 11 || 0.0 || 0 || 9 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||
| 2017
| 13 || 37 || 30 || 7 || 0.0 || 0 || 15 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||
| Total || 37 || 67 || 47 || 20 || 0.0 || 0 || 24 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="15"|Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180426192948/http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/denzel_ward_972601.html OhioStateBuckeyes.com] |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
On December 29, 2017, Ward released an official statement through his Twitter account announcing his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Ward also decided to skip the Cotton Bowl Classic.{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 29, 2017 |title=Football: Denzel Ward declares for NFL draft, forgoes senior season and sits out Cotton Bowl |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2017/12/football-denzel-ward-declares-for-nfl-draft-forgoes-senior-season-and-sits-out-cotton-bowl/ |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=thelantern.com}} Ward attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the short shuttle and three-cone drill. His overall performance impressed scouts and helped solidify his position as the top cornerback prospect. Ward tied for first, among all players, in the 40-yard dash (4.32s) and his broad jump (11'4") was the best among all players, regardless of position.{{Cite web |last=Chassen |first=Alexis |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Meet the Browns' Denzel Ward, the next great NFL DB out of Ohio State |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/4/26/17167942/denzel-ward-browns-nfl-draft-2018 |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=sbnation.com}} He also tied for second in the vertical jump (39") among his position group and tied for eighth in the bench press (16 reps) among cornerbacks who participated.{{Cite web |title=NFL.com: 2018 NFL Combine: Top Performers |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000924564/Denzel-Ward-s-full-2018-NFL-Scouting-Combine-workout Denzel Ward's NFL Combine Workout]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000919505/Top-CB-in-the-draft-Denzel-Ward-runs-a-4-32-40-yard-dash Denzel Ward's 40-yard dash]
}}
He attended pre-draft visits with multiple teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite news |last=Hope |first=Dan |date=April 5, 2018 |title=Denzel Ward set to visit five teams with top-12 picks, including Cleveland Browns, per report |url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2018/04/92276/denzel-ward-set-to-visit-five-teams-with-top-12-nfl-draft-picks-including-cleveland-browns-per-report |access-date=October 22, 2018 |newspaper=Eleven Warriors}}{{Cite web |last=Arcia |first=Gil |date=April 15, 2018 |title=Denzel Ward visiting the Bucs this week |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2018/4/15/17239748/denzel-ward-visiting-the-bucs-this-week |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=bucsnation.com}} At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Ward was projected to be a top ten pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the top cornerback prospect in the draft by Sports Illustrated and NFL analyst Mike Mayock and was ranked as the second best cornerback by DraftScout.com.{{Cite magazine |title=The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, Vol. 2 |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/07/nfl-draft-top-prospects-big-board-top-100 |access-date=October 22, 2018 |magazine=Sprts Illustrated}}{{Cite web |last=Mayock |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Mayock |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0 |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927595/article/mike-mayocks-2018-nfl-draft-position-rankings-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422060134/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927595/article/mike-mayocks-2018-nfl-draft-position-rankings-30 |archive-date=April 22, 2018 |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10+7/8
| weight = 183
| dash = 4.32
| ten split = 1.47
| twenty split = 2.48
| shuttle =
| cone drill =
| vertical = 39
| broad ft = 11
| broad in = 4
| bench = 16
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31+1/4
| hand span = 8+3/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2018 |title=NFL Draft Prospect Profile - Denzel Ward |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/denzel-ward?id=32462018-0002-5600-6141-7e124ecc121e |access-date=March 1, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Ohio State CB Denzel Ward: 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1003327&draftyear=2018&genpos=CB |access-date=May 12, 2018 |website=NFLDraftScout.com}}
}}
{{quote box
|align=right
|width=50%
|quote="We saw a player who was very deserving, who played cornerback, who we thought at that time was one of the best picks on our board, and we took a guy who I think’s going to be an outstanding player."{{cite web| title=Notes: Denzel Ward preparing to see star-studded schedule of receivers| url=https://www.brownszone.com/2018/05/04/notes-denzel-ward-preparing-to-see-star-studded-schedule-of-receivers/| access-date=February 28, 2025|website=brownszone.com| author=Scott Petrak| date=May 4, 2018}}
|source=–Hue Jackson (Browns' Head coach)
}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000928946/Browns-select-Denzel-Ward-No-4-in-the-2018-NFL-Draft Browns draft Denzel Ward 4th overall]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000917042/Denzel-Ward-highlights NFL Draft Profile: Denzel Ward]
}}
=2018=
The Cleveland Browns selected Ward in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=April 26, 2018 |title=Browns choose CB Denzel Ward with No. 4 selection |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-choose-cb-denzel-ward-with-no-4-selection-0ap3000000928942 |website=NFL.com}} Ward was the first defensive back drafted in 2018 and became the highest selected cornerback from Ohio State since Shawn Springs, who was selected third overall in the 1997 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=Ohio State Drafted Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/ohiost/drafted.htm |access-date=August 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
{{quote box
|align=right
|width=50%
|quote="Great kid, loves the game of football... he's got the physical features that you look for in a shutdown corner."
|source=–John Dorsey (Browns' General Manager)
}}
On July 24, 2018, the Cleveland Browns signed Ward to a fully guaranteed four–year, $29.16 million contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $19.29 million.{{Cite news |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=July 25, 2018 |title=No. 4 pick Denzel Ward signs his Browns rookie contract worth about $29.2 million |work=The Plain Dealer |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/07/browns_denzel_ward_signs_his_rookie_contract.html |access-date=July 26, 2018}}{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Denzel Ward contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/denzel-ward-25099/ |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
File:Denzel Ward (43775487861).jpg
He entered training camp slated as the No. 1 starting cornerback on the depth chart after the departures of Jason McCourty and Jamar Taylor. Head coach Hue Jackson named Ward the starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside Terrance Mitchell.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Josh |date=September 2, 2018 |title=Sunday's Browns 53-Man Roster |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/ContentGallery/Browns-53-Man-Roster-Sunday-118261231/ |access-date=October 22, 2018 |website=247sports.com}}
On September 9, 2018, Ward made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the Cleveland Browns' season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded six combined tackles (two solo), three pass deflections, and made two interceptions during their 21–21 tie. He made his first career interception off a pass by Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver Antonio Brown in the first quarter.{{Cite news |last=Glasier |first=David |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Denzel Ward excels in Browns tie with Steelers |language=en |work=The News-Herald |url=https://www.news-herald.com/sports/denzel-ward-excels-in-browns-tie-with-steelers/article_6b2f591a-bfc1-5920-b707-6d6b7eef5408.html |access-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221152/https://www.news-herald.com/sports/denzel-ward-excels-in-browns-tie-with-steelers/article_6b2f591a-bfc1-5920-b707-6d6b7eef5408.html |url-status=dead }} On October 7, 2018, Ward recorded five combined tackles (four solo), tied his season–high of three pass deflections, made one interception, and a blocked field goal in a 12–9 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. His performance earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Adam |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Drew Brees, Isaiah Crowell among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-isaiah-crowell-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000972353 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 8, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles (five solo) and made one pass deflection during an 18–33 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed two consecutive games (Weeks 14–15) after suffering a concussion. He was also inactive during the Browns' Week 17 loss at the Baltimore Ravens due to his concussion. He finished his rookie season with 53 combined tackles (41 solo), three interceptions, 11 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games, of which he started 12.{{Cite web |title=Denzel Ward 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardDe02.htm |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named to the Pro Bowl and the NFL All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2018.htm |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He received an overall grade of 78.9 from Pro Football Focus, which set a career-high for him as a rookie.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns: Best players of the PFF era |url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-cleveland-browns-best-players-pff-era |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=PFF.com|language=en| date=July 17, 2024| author=Gordon McGuiness}}
=2019=
On January 12, 2019, the Cleveland Browns appointed Freddie Kitchens as their new head coach.{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=January 12, 2019 |title=Freddie Kitchens named Browns head coach |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/freddie-kitchens-named-browns-head-coach |access-date=January 12, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} Ward remained as the No. 1 starting cornerback under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and was paired with Terrance Mitchell.{{cite web|title=Browns Depth Chart 2019: Final decisions on offensive line starters, No. 3 WR for Week 1 vs. Titans| url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-depth-chart-2019-final-decisions-on-offensive-line-starters-no-3-wr-for-week-1-vs-titans/ |access-date=February 27, 2025| website=CBSSports.com| date=September 3, 2019| author=Tyler Sullivan}}
In Week 2, Ward collected a season-high seven combined tackles (four solo) as the Browns won 23–3 at the New York Jets. He was sidelined for four consecutive games (Weeks 3–6) after injuring his hamstring. On December 8, 2019, he recorded five combined tackles (four solo), a season-high two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Andy Dalton to wide receiver Auden Tate and returned it 61–yards for his first career touchdown during a 27–19 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Browns stay in playoff hunt, ground out 27-19 win over Cincy |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127867 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |website=ESPN}} He finished the 2019 NFL season with a total of 44 combined tackles (38 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in 12 games and 12 starts.
=2020=
On January 13, 2020, the Cleveland Browns hired Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach.{{Cite web|url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/kevin-stefanski-named-browns-head-coach?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=Kevin Stefanski named Browns head coach|website=www.clevelandbrowns.com|language=en-US|access-date=January 14, 2020 |date=January 13, 2020 |first=Andrew |last=Gribble}} Defensive coordinator Joe Woods retained Ward and Terrance Mitchell as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.{{cite web|title=Cleveland Browns release first depth chart of 2020 season| url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/browns-2020-depth-chart-week-1/95-9d7e9fea-3d20-44b4-8f13-e1892f39c326| access-date=February 27, 2025| website=wkyc.com| author=Ben Axelrod| date=September 7, 2020}}
On October 25, 2020, he collected a season-high six combined tackles (five solo) and made three pass deflections during a 37–34 win at the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 4, Ward recorded four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Dak Prescott to Amari Cooper late in the fourth quarter to seal a 49–38 victory at the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys - October 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010040dal.htm |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 22, 2020, Ward recorded three solo tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Carson Wentz to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to secure the 22–17 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns - November 22nd |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011220cle.htm |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 31, 2020, Ward was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Browns.{{Cite news |date=December 31, 2020 |title=Browns make roster moves |work=ClevelandBrowns.com |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-make-roster-moves-x1749 |access-date=February 11, 2021}} He finished the season with 46 combined tackles (38 solo), 18 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 12 games and 12 starts. He finished the 2020 NFL season with an overall grade of 72.9 from Pro Football Focus.{{Cite web |title=Grading Denzel Ward’s Performance In 2020 (Full Review)|url=https://www.brownsnation.com/denzel-ward-performance/ |access-date=March 1, 2025|website=BrownsNation.com| date=February 22, 2021}}
The Browns finished the 2020 NFL season third in the AFC North with a 11–5 record, clinching a Wildcard berth. Ward remained inactive on the COVID-19/reserve list as the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 48–37 in the AFC Wildcard Game. On January 13, 2021, he was activated she added to the active roster.{{Cite news |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Browns activate CBs Denzel Ward, Kevin Johnson |work=ClevelandBrowns.com |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-activate-cbs-denzel-ward-kevin-johnson |access-date=February 11, 2021}} On January 17, 2021, Ward started in his first career postseason game and recorded three solo tackles during a 17–22 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
=2021=
On April 23, 2021, the Cleveland Browns exercised the fifth–year option on Ward's rookie contract which guarantees a salary of $13.29 million for the 2022 season.{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/15/denzel-ward-hopes-for-contract-extension-long-career-in-cleveland/|title = Denzel Ward hopes for contract extension, long career in Cleveland|date = June 15, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Gribble, Andrew |date=April 23, 2021 |title=Browns exercise 5th-year contract options for Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward |work=ClevelandBrowns.com |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-exercise-5th-year-contract-options-for-baker-mayfield-denzel-ward |access-date=April 23, 2021}} He entered training camp as the de facto No. 1 starting cornerback. Head coach Kevin Stefanski named Ward the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with rookie first-round pick Greg Newsome II.{{cite web |title=Browns depth chart 2021: Cleveland's projected Week 1 starters against Kansas City |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-depth-chart-2021-clevelands-53-man-roster-projection-and-week-1-starters/ |website=CBSSports.com |date=September 1, 2021 |author=Josh Edwards |access-date=February 28, 2025}}
On September 12, 2021, Ward started in the Browns' season–opener at the Kansas City Chiefs and made six combined tackles (four solo) and broke up a pass during a 29–33 loss. He was inactive for the Browns' Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after injuring his hamstring.{{cite web| title=Fox Sports: Denzel Ward Profile| url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/denzel-ward-player-injuries |access-date=February 28, 2025| website=FoxSports.com}} On November 7, 2021, Ward recorded two solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and returned an interception thrown by Joe Burrow to wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for a 99–yard touchdown on the opening drive of the Browns' 41–16 win at the Cincinnati Bengals. On November 21, 2021, Ward deflected a pass and intercepted a pass attempt by Tim Boyle to wide receiver Josh Reynolds during a 13–10 win against the Detroit Lions. The following week, he had two solo tackles, a season–high four pass deflections, and tied his career–high of three interceptions after picking off a pass attempt from Lamar Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews during a 10-16 loss at the Baltimore Ravens.{{cite web| title=Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens - November 28th, 2021| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202111280rav.htm |access-date=February 28, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} On January 8, 2022, the Cleveland Browns placed him on the COVID–19/reserve list. Due to his illness, Ward was inactive for the Browns' Week 17 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed the 2021 NFL season with a total of 43 combined tackles (34 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, one touchdown, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.{{cite web |title=Pro-Football-Reference: Denzel Ward stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardDe02.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=February 28, 2025}} He earned an overall grade of 61.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2021.{{cite web |title=Ranking the best cornerbacks in press coverage from the 2021 NFL season|url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-cornerbacks-press-coverage-2021-nfl-season |website=pff.com |access-date=February 28, 2025| date=June 20, 2022}}
=2022=
On April 18, 2022, the Cleveland Browns signed Ward to a five–year, $100.50 million contract that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, $44.50 million guaranteed upon signing, and an initial signing bonus of $20.00 million. The extension made Ward the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=April 18, 2022 |title=Browns, Denzel Ward agree to five-year contract extension |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/04/18/browns-denzel-ward-agree-to-five-year-contract-extension/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}
He returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Joe Woods and started alongside Greg Newsome II.{{cite web|title=Browns initial 53-man roster 2022: Position-by-position analysis| url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-initial-53-man-roster-2022-position-by-position-analysis |access-date=March 1, 2025| website=ClevelandBrowns.com| date=August 30, 2022| author=Anthony Poisal}} On October 2, 2022, Ward made two solo tackles, tied a season–high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Marcus Mariota to wide receiver Drake London during a 20–23 loss at the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 5, he collected a season–high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and broke up a pass as the Browns lost 28–30 to the Los Angeles Chargers. He suffered a concussion and was sidelined for three consecutive games (Weeks 6–8). On December 4, 2022, he made six combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and returned a fumble recovery by quarterback Kyle Allen caused by linebacker Tony Fields II for a four–yard touchdown during a 27–14 victory at the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=2022-12-04 |title=Denzel Ward fumble recovery for touchdown gives Browns 14-5 lead |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/denzel-ward-fumble-recovery-for-touchdown-gives-browns-14-5-lead |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} He finished the 2022 NFL season with 53 combined tackles (42 solo), 15 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown in 14 games and 14 starts.{{cite web |title=Pro-Football-Reference: Denzel Ward stats (2022)|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardDe02.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=February 28, 2025}} He received an overall grade of 56.8 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 97th amongst all cornerbacks. He received a coverage grade of 60.4, ranking 80th among cornerbacks in 2022.{{cite web |title=Where the Browns’ Denzel Ward ranks on Pro Football Focus’ list of the NFL’s best cornerbacks|url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2023/06/where-the-browns-denzel-ward-ranks-on-pro-football-focus-list-of-the-nfls-best-cornerbacks.html |website=Cleveland.com|access-date=February 28, 2025| author=Irie Harris| date=June 13, 2023}}
=2023=
On January 9, 2023, the Cleveland Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods. On January 18, 2023, the Browns announced the hiring of Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator.{{Cite web |last=Poisal |first=Anthony |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Jim Schwartz named Browns defensive coordinator |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/jim-schwartz-named-browns-defensive-coordinator |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=Cleveland Browns |language=en}} Head coach Kevin Stefanski retained Ward and Greg Newsome II as the starting cornerback tandem for the third consecutive season.{{cite web|title=Browns announce unofficial depth chart for Bengals season opener| url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-announce-unofficial-depth-chart-for-bengals-season-opener| access-date=March 1, 2025| website=clevelandbrowns.com| date=September 5, 2023}}
In Week 2, Ward racked up a season–high five solo tackles and made two pass deflections during a 22–26 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. On October 22, 2023, he made four solo tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Gardner Minshew to wide receiver Michael Pittman as the Browns won 39–38 at the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 9, he made three combined tackles (two solo), tied his season-high of two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Clayton Tune to wide receiver Marquise Brown as the Browns routed the Arizona Cardinals 27–0. He injured his shoulder and was subsequently sidelined for three games (Weeks 12–14). Head coach Kevin Stefanski opted to rest the majority of starters, including Wars, as the Browns lost in Week 18 at the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the season with 34 combined tackles (30 solo), 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.{{cite web |title=Pro-Football-Reference: Denzel Ward stats (2023) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardDe02.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=February 28, 2025}} He received an overall grade of 69.8 from Pro Football Focus, ranking 37th among qualifying cornerbacks in 2023.{{cite web |title=How does Denzel Ward stack up against the 2023 All-Pro cornerbacks?|url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2024/04/how-does-denzel-ward-stack-up-against-the-2023-all-pro-cornerbacks.html |website=Cleveland.com|access-date=February 28, 2025| date=April 11, 2024| author=Irie Harris}}
The Cleveland Browns finished the 2023 NFL season second in the AFC North with a 11–6 record to clinch a Wildcard berth. On January 13, 2024, Ward started in the AFC Wildcard Game and made two solo tackles and one pass deflection during a 14–45 loss at the Houston Texans.
=2024=
He returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback and was paired with Martin Emerson.{{cite web|title=Cleveland Browns 2024 season preview: Depth chart, schedule, betting odds| url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/cleveland-browns-2024-nfl-season-preview-schedule-betting-odds-depth-chart/95-8e547003-9744-401c-9ed2-8e8c379d0f8c |access-date=March 1, 2025| website=WKYC.com| date=September 4, 2024| author=Anna Meyer}} On November 17, 2024, Ward made four combined tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, intercepted a pass by Taysom Hill to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and recovered a fumble he caused after a reception by Taysom Hill during a 14–35 loss at the New Orleans Saints.{{cite web| title=Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints - November 17th, 2024| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202411170nor.htm|access-date=March 1, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} On December 2, 2024, he recorded three combined tackles (two solo), tied his season–high of two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Bo Nix to wide receiver Marvin Mims during a 32–41 loss at the Denver Broncos.{{cite web| title=Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos - December 2nd, 2024| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202412020den.htm | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He was inactive during a Week 18 loss at the Baltimore Ravens due to a shoulder injury. He finished the 2024 NFL season with a total of 49 combined tackles (41 solo), a career–high 19 pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and 16 starts.{{cite web |title=Pro-Football-Reference: Denzel Ward stats (2024) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardDe02.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=February 28, 2025}} He received an overall grade of 68.4 from Pro Football Focus, ranking 61st among 223 qualified cornerbacks in 2024.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Denzel Ward| url=https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/denzel-ward/49558| website=PFF.com|access-date=February 28, 2025}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
! colspan="2" |Legend |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;" |
|Led the league |
| Bold
|Career high |
=Regular season=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Year
! rowspan="2"|Team ! colspan="2"|Games ! colspan="4"|Tackles ! colspan="6"|Interceptions ! colspan="4" |Fumbles | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | Comb | Total | Ast | Sack | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD |
| 2018 | CLE
| 13 || 12 || 53 || 41 || 12 || 0.0 || 11 || 3 || 26 || 8.7 || 26 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 29 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2019 | CLE
| 12 || 12 || 44 || 38 || 6 || 0.0 || 11 || 2 || 61 || 30.5 || 61 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2020 | CLE
| 12 || 12 || 46 || 38 || 8 || 0.0 || 18 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | CLE
| 15 || 15 || 43 || 34 || 9 || 0.5 || 10 || 3 || 103 || 34.3 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|99 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | CLE
| 14 || 14 || 53 || 42 || 11 || 0.0 || 15 || 3 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 4 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|2 | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | CLE
| 13 || 11 || 34 || 30 || 4 || 0.0 || 11 || 2 || 20 || 10.0 || 20 || 0 || 1|| 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | CLE
| 16 || 16 || 49 || 41 || 8 || 0.0 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|19 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"|Total || 95 || 92 || 322 || 264 || 58 || 0.5 || 95 || 17 || 210 || 12.4 || 99 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 33 || 2 |
=Postseason=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="4" | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| 2020 | CLE
| 1 || 1 || 3 || 3 || 0 || 0.0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | CLE
| 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| Career | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
=Awards=
- 4× Pro Bowl – (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024)
- 2× Defensive Rookie of the Week (Week 1, 2018 and Week 5, 2018)
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=30974|espn=3915535|nfl=denzel-ward}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20180426192948/http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/denzel_ward_972601.html Ohio State Buckeyes bio]
- [https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/players-roster/denzel-ward/ Cleveland Browns bio]
{{Cleveland Browns roster navbox}}
{{2017 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2018 NFL Draft}}
{{BrownsFirstPick}}
{{Browns2018DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ward, Denzel}}
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players
Category:All-American college football players
Category:Cleveland Browns players
Category:People from Macedonia, Ohio
Category:Players of American football from Summit County, Ohio