Denzel Ward is investing back into the place that helped shape him.
The former Ohio State and Cleveland Browns cornerback, Ward, purchased a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians, the Guardians organization announced on Wednesday.
Ward reportedly purchased a small portion of Cleveland Guardians Vice Chairman David Blitzer’s 35 percent stake in the Guardians. Blitzer can become the team’s controlling owner after the 2027 season, but Paul Dolan remains the majority owner.
“They (Blitzer’s group) worked with me throughout the entire process. I’m grateful that they brought me on and gave me a great opportunity,” Ward said on Wednesday. “I’m a Cleveland kid and love Cleveland to death and just had the opportunity to continue to be a part of the Cleveland community in different ways.”
Ward joins Ohio native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as part of the Guardians minority ownership group.
A native of Macedonia, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland, Ward committed to play for the in-state Buckeyes from 2015-17, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top defensive backs. He earned Consensus All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 after recording 37 tackles, 15 pass breakups, two tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Ward was then selected No. 4 overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the franchise. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. Ward has totaled five Pro Bowl selections (2018, 2021, 2023–2025).
Through his eight NFL seasons, Ward has recorded 361 tackles, 18 interceptions, 104 pass deflections, six fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and four defensive touchdowns.
The Guardians currently sit 74-72, holding the American League’s third wild card spot with just 16 games to go.
Ward and the Browns kick off their season at 1 p.m. against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
