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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, 29, has opened up about the possibility of retiring early after a season plagued by concussion issues.

The former Super Bowl champion’s candid comments have sparked concern among fans and teammates alike.

A Star on the Move

Ward joined the Colts in March on a three-year, $54 million deal, following a Super Bowl victory with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.

Expectations were high for the talented cornerback, but his season has been derailed by repeated head injuries, forcing him into concussion protocol three times in just 15 weeks.

The Freak Accident That Changed Everything

Ward’s most alarming injury came in Week 6 during warmups against the Arizona Cardinals.

He collided at full speed with teammate Drew Ogletree, a freak accident that left him momentarily unconscious.

Recalling the incident, Ward said it was “crazy” how quickly it happened and described a month-long struggle with dizziness and nausea.

The Toll of Multiple Concussions

Prior to the Week 6 incident, Ward had already suffered a concussion in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.

He made a return in Week 12, only to report symptoms again in mid-December.

Speaking about his situation, Ward admitted, “If I do come back and play again, if I get one more, I’ll for sure probably retire.

The more I beat my brain up, the more it’ll affect me as I get older. I gotta think about my family and kids, too.”

Family First

Ward’s concerns extend beyond football. The loss of his daughter, Amani, in October 2024, has weighed heavily on him over the past 18 months. In November, he marked her birthday with an emotional social media post expressing his grief and frustration, highlighting how much life outside the game matters to him.

Support From the Team

The Colts organization, including defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, has urged Ward to prioritize his health. Anarumo emphasized that Ward’s well-being and family come first, saying, “Forget about the football player part of it. I just really want him to be okay, and that’s what’s most important.”

Colts’ Challenges Beyond Ward

Ward’s potential retirement comes at a critical time for the Colts. The team traded for cornerback Sauce Gardner midseason and faces uncertainty at quarterback after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14. The Colts ended the season on a seven-game losing streak, missing the playoffs, but confirmed that Shane Steichen will remain as head coach despite the slump.

What’s Next for Ward and the Colts

Whether Ward returns or steps away permanently remains unknown, but his health and family clearly take precedence. For the Colts, building a competitive roster next season will require careful planning, especially with injuries, key free agents, and lost draft picks complicating matters. Ward’s journey is a reminder of how quickly football careers can be affected by injuries, and how even the biggest stars must weigh personal well-being against the demands of the game.

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