The Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward recently shared why he wanted to return for the 2026 NFL season.
Ward will enter his ninth season in the NFL this year. The veteran appeared in just seven games last season, but Ward played a critical role in the Colts’ secondary when healthy.
Ward suffered a string of concussions that cost him 10 total games in 2025. The talented cornerback considered retirement very early in the offseason.
The long-term health risks and the physical toll of multiple concussions ultimately led to that consideration. Ward also suffered the tragic loss of his young daughter in 2024, and the emotional struggles played a direct role in his retirement thoughts as well.
But now, with OTAs nearly upon us, Ward is ready for the upcoming season.
“I just feel good,” he said. “I’ve just been working on myself, and I didn’t want to finish my career like I finished last season.”
Ward recorded 25 total tackles and a fumble recovery across seven total games with Indianapolis last season. In coverage, Ward allowed a completion rate of 57% on 37 targets with seven pass breakups, according to Pro Football Focus.
The veteran was excellent when fully healthy, and Ward will enter the 2026 campaign playing a major role in the Colts’ secondary should he prove to be at full strength.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Charvarius Ward on decision to return for 2026 season
Reporting by Jake Boico, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
