The Cleveland Browns are almost through the third phase of OTAs, a voluntary offseason workout program, but we are still getting questions about the seriousness of veterans not attending. One of those veterans is cornerback and Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.
However, at his annual football camp in his hometown of Nordonia, just outside of Cleveland, Ward shut down any notion of funny business. He is simply training away from the building and will roll up to Berea when he is required to be there.
Here from Ward yourself!
What the Browns’ Pro Bowler had to say
Here is what Ward had to say on what he has been up to away from the team’s voluntary activities:
“I’ve just been training, working out… I got a girlfriend, so I got to take her on some dates. No, I’ve just been working out, working my craft. Getting prepared for when I get back in there, and um, yeah, that’s it.”
Ward stated that there is no reason for Browns’ fans to be worried, however, despite him being absent from voluntary workouts. He even stated that he has been checking in on the young Browns’ wide receivers and plans to show them some new tricks when he gets in the building. Ward has also stated that he and new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg have had plenty of conversations:
“We’ve been in constant communication during the offseason since he’s been there. Seems like a great guy, looking forward to getting in there with him and start working with him.”
So, overall, fans really shouldn’t react strongly when players are not in the building for non-mandatory activities. Mandatory minicamp is in just over a week, and Ward will be there.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns Pro Bowler explains OTA absense and why it’s no big deal
Reporting by Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
