Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward delivered a message to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, his former college teammate with the Ohio State Buckeyes, ahead of their NFL Week 1 AFC North showdown at Huntington Bank Field.
“I definitely want all the plays and throws to come my way,” Ward told reporters. “I like making plays on the ball and being a factor in a game. I’m looking forward to going into the game, and hopefully they target me a lot. I’m going to send Joe Burrow some texts, tell him throw at me and, you know, go from there.”
Burrow’s response, from Fox 19’s Jeremy Rauch via Twitter/X:
Ward was a limited participant in the Browns’ practice Wednesday because of a shoulder injury. He was among nine players on the Browns’ injury report.
In 2021, Ward intercepted Burrow and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. Ward also intercepted former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton twice in December of the 2019 season.
Ward is entering his eighth NFL season, all with the Browns. He was Cleveland’s first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Browns DB Denzel Ward says he’s texting Bengals QB Joe Burrow to target him in opener
Reporting by Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
