Former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward is embracing a fresh start with the Indianapolis Colts after signing a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason. For Ward, the change of scenery was necessary following a difficult 2024 season marked by personal tragedy and professional frustration.
In a candid interview with The Athletic's Mike Silver, Ward opened up about the emotional toll of losing his one-year-old daughter in late October, injuries that hampered his play, and a lack of motivation after realizing he wouldn't receive a contract extension from San Francisco.
Ward's performance reflected the challenging year. His overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus plummeted from a career-high 84.7 in 2023 to a career-low 56.2 in 2024, while his coverage grade fell from 86.5 to 58.2.
"Even before everything happened with my baby, I really wasn't super motivated," Ward admitted to Silver. "Because after the year I had in '23, I wanted a contract extension — because I wanted to stay — and I knew I wasn't getting a contract offer. They came to me and kind of told me what it was, 'cause they had (other) people to pay. So it kind of had me in my feelings a little bit. I just never made it public.
"I was hurt when I realized I wasn't getting a contract extension or even an offer for an extension. So, I wasn't motivated; like, from OTAs all the way through camp, I was kind of pissed off. I knew when the season started it was a wrap for me in the Bay."
Instead, the 49ers prioritized signing Deommodore Lenoir to a five-year, $89.8 million extension (per Over The Cap) and prepared for a massive deal with quarterback Brock Purdy, who eventually signed a five-year, $265 million extension.
"Obviously, quarterback is way more important than a corner," Ward said. "And they got Demo (Lenoir), so … I mean, you know, they drafted him, and he's younger than me. They probably like Demo a little bit better. He's a little more physical and aggressive than me. I can lock anybody down. Kyle and John, they want head-busters. I mean, I'm not mad. He got what he deserved. All-Pros don't grow on trees, though."
Ward admitted that watching other teammates hold out for contracts last offseason while he rehabbed from surgery under team advice was frustrating.
"Like, I was there," Ward said. "I had surgery after the season under the advice of them, and I was rehabbing with them. I had (been) All-Pro, too, and I didn't get paid, so I was like, 'What the f--k?' Like, people are not showing up and getting paid, and I wasn't. So, it definitely made me feel some type of way. That type of stuff, it does take a toll on the whole team."
The situation worsened after his daughter's passing. Upon returning to the team, Ward admitted his mindset had shifted dramatically.
"Once I came back, every game after that, I was just like, 'I don't give a f--k what happens. I don't care if I win this rep; I don't care if I lose this rep,'" Ward said. "I was there physically, but mentally, I was somewhere off the grid, off the globe."
Heading into work was extremely challenging for the veteran defender. He stated, "I almost left a couple of times. S--t, I know fans probably hate me (for saying that), but f--k it, it's real life."
He stuck around, though, concerned with what might happen if he made a brash decision and stepped away. Leaving would have cost him financially.
"I feel like I shouldn't have come back," Ward said. "(Initially) I didn't want to come back. I thought I was going to be able to (return to the field), but once I came back, I tried to leave again. But I wasn't going to get paid. So, I had to make my money."
A team source told Silver that the 49ers remained supportive of Ward throughout his ordeal, but the cornerback admits he mentally checked out.
"I just tried to tough it out," Ward said. "All those games after I came back, I gave zero f---s, to be honest. I didn't really care about being coached. Anytime I got a coaching point, I was like, 'F--k it, I don't care.'"
Now with the Colts, Ward is focused on moving forward, regaining his All-Pro form, and leaving a turbulent 2024 season behind him.