Denzel Ward

Denzel Ward "The Warden"

                  

• Became the sixth Browns rookie to be named to the Pro Bowl and first since Joe Thomas in 2007.
• All five career interceptions have come against the AFC North.
• Recorded first career touchdown following a 61-yard interception return for a score against Cincinnati on Dec. 8, 2019.
• Finished tied for second among all NFL rookies with three interceptions in 2018.
• Became fourth-youngest player in NFL history with two interceptions in a game after recording two during his NFL debut in Week 1 in 2018.
• Joined Clarence Scott (Sept. 19, 1971) as only Browns rookies to record two INTs in NFL debut.
• Played high school (Nordonia), college (Ohio State) and professional (Browns) football all in the state of Ohio.
• Earned consensus first team All-America honors at Ohio State.

                  

Personal

                  

• Native of Macedonia, Ohio and attended Nordonia High School. Helped lead the school to a 14-1 record and the Division II state championship game in 2014.
• Qualified for state multiple times in track and field as part of Nordonia's 4x400-meter relay and as a long jumper.
• Majored in sports industry at Ohio State.
• Likes fixing houses and would be in real estate if he wasn't playing football.

                  

Beyond Football

                  

• Pledged to take on the biggest monthly expense for 21 people out of work due to the COVID-19 crisis through his "Make Them Know Your Name" Foundation.
• Participated in a Madden Tournament alongside Landry and a Twitch stream alongside Garrett to benefit COVID-19 relief charities.
• Created the "Make Them Know Your Name" Foundation focused on heart health education, prevention, and treatment. Ward's father, Paul G. Ward Jr., passed away due to cardiac arrest that ultimately could have been prevented with earlier detection and intervention. "Make Them Know Your Name" is a mantra for Ward both on and off the field, inspired by his father.
• Has raised awareness for heart health and through My Cause, My Cleats.
• Started a scholarship foundation in his late father's name, for students in Bedford, Ohio. Paul was a long-time principal in the Bedford City School District.
• Hosted Coat Drives each of the past two winters, giving away more than 500 coats for students at East Prep Village Prep Willard School and Garfield Elementary School.
• Has been volunteering at shelters and food banks at Thanksgiving since he was a young child, including at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.