Indianapolis Colts' cornerback Charvarius Ward said after the 2025 season that retirement was on his mind, but how close was he to making that decision?
"Probably 85% sure I was going to retire," Ward said via Stephen Holder after Thursday's training camp practice.
Ward sustained three separate concussions last season. He also lost his daughter in 2024.
"I found a different why, a different purpose," Ward said. "Doing it for Junior, doing it for Amani, my daughter. They bring me joy. They bring a smile to my face."
Always honest and transparent, Colts corner Charvarius “Mooney” Ward admits he was roughly “85% sure I was gonna retire” after last season’s concussions. Had a dramatic change of heart and is back to pair with Sauce Gardner. pic.twitter.com/yXyX16GlU7
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 30, 2026
On the practice field, Ward -- as well as Sauce Gardner -- are off to very strong starts.
On Day 1 of practices, Jake Arthur of Roundtable Sports wrote that the cornerback duo made a "noticeable impact, with each forcing a pass breakup. He added that Jones "seemed apprehensive" to test the boundaries where Ward and Gardner were lined up.
Then on Day 2, the Indy Star's Joel Erickson pointed out that "most" of Daniel Jones' completions have gone to tight ends and running backs, highlighting Ward and Gardner's play against the wideouts.
In his first season with the Colts, Ward allowed a completion rate of 57% on 37 targets with seven pass breakups over seven games.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts Charvarius Ward on why he returned for 2026 NFL season
