When healthy, Browns three-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, but that is something he's struggled to be as of late.
Ward recently suffered his fifth documented concussion since entering the NFL as the No. 4 overall pick in 2018. He has since returned to practice, but that came after spending nearly two weeks in the concussion protocol.
Many wondered if it was best for the 27-year-old's long-term health to hang up his cleats for good, but he revealed he never came close to considering retirement.
"I'm not too concerned about it," Ward said via Zac Jackson of TheAthletic.com. "People worry about the number I've had, but I can't let that affect me. I feel good. I'm excited for the season. I'm a football player, and I'm doing what I've loved to do since I was a little kid. I don't think about getting hurt when I go out there. It's not too hard for me to put it behind me."
Ward is comfortable continuing his professional football career because he went to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with family members, hoping to "ease their minds" about his decision to continue playing.
"I'm glad to be back with the team," Ward added via the team's website. "I've done a lot of research and met with concussion specialist, and they gave me the knowledge I felt that I needed."
Ward has also moved to wear a different helmet model designed to offer better protection against concussions.
Only time will tell if his research and helmet change will make a difference. He won't need to contemplate his football future for a while, but for now, Ward is solely focused on being a leader for Cleveland in his seventh season.
"I've been enjoying every second of it," Ward concluded. "I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead these guys the best way as I can. And I definitely feel that I've grown vocally and just trying to help build the team up and build myself up."
Ward has 273 tackles, 0.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions, 76 passes defensed and two touchdowns in his NFL career.
