The Cleveland Browns are bracing for their upcoming season with a mix of anticipation and concern surrounding their star cornerback, Denzel Ward. Despite a troubling history of concussions, including five confirmed cases over his career, Ward remains steadfast in his commitment to football.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on August 23 that Ward, a six-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, has no intention of retiring. Ward’s resilience was underscored by his assurance that he aims to be on the field for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8. According to Cabot, the prospect of Ward stepping away from the game was never a serious consideration.
This determination comes amid growing debate about Ward’s long-term health. Last summer, after his fourth concussion during training camp, some media outlets speculated whether Ward should contemplate retirement. Jacob Roach of USA Today highlighted these concerns, noting Ward’s extensive injury history since he joined the Browns in 2018. The concussion Ward sustained during the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs last year added to this scrutiny.
The fifth concussion occurred on August 12 during a practice session, when Ward collided with wide receiver Elijah Moore. This incident raises concerns about Ward’s susceptibility to future injuries, given that repeated concussions can increase a player’s risk.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the NFL will introduce Guardian Caps for all games this season, a development intended to reduce concussion risks. While the caps have been mandated for specific position groups during training camps in previous years, their adoption during games represents a new frontier. Despite the potential benefits, Ward has expressed reservations about wearing the cap in-game, stating his focus is on managing his health through research and not on the potential discomfort of the gear.
“It’s just something getting used to. It’s just something new,” Ward commented during training camp in late July. “And I know I got a few concussions, but I don’t go out there thinking about the concussions.”
At 27 years old, Ward boasts impressive career statistics, including 273 tackles, 76 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, and 4 defensive touchdowns. His contributions were pivotal to the Browns’ defense, which led the NFL in yardage defense last season. Ward signed a lucrative five-year, $100.5 million contract extension in April 2022, securing his role with the Browns through the 2027 season.
As the Browns prepare for the new season, all eyes will be on Ward to see if he can continue to excel while managing the risks associated with his concussion history.
