Charvarius Ward suffered three concussions in the 2025 season. The veteran cornerback was placed back on injured reserve on December 10, thereby ending his season.
Indianapolis Colts insider Holder Stephen has revealed Ward’s stance on a potential retirement ahead of the 2026 season.
“Regarding CB Charvarius Ward, who revealed last month he was strongly considering retirement after a series of concussions, I heard from him recently and he was legitimately reconsidering that stance, Stephen wrote on X.
“I Have not heard a final decision but that remains fluid.”
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Ward appeared in a career low seven games in the 2025 campaign. He amassed a stat line of 17 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, seven interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Ward and his Colts teammates started the season with an 8-2 record and looked well placed to reach the playoffs. However, injuries led to a late-season capitulation and saw them miss the playoffs.
Colts GM shares Charvarius Ward update
Chris Ballard is gearing up for his 10th season as the Colts’ general manager. He spoke to the media on Tuesday for the first time since the end of the 2025 season.
Ballard provided an update for veteran CB Charvarius Ward in light of the retirement rumors.
“We’ve had discussions,” Ballard said.
“I know our coaches and Shane have had long discussions. Mooney is a special kid, a young man who had some unfortunate circumstances. The second concussion was pretty severe. Then, when he had the third one, he fought me. He was not happy with the doctor or I, but we’re going to do the right thing for the player.
“He’s in a good frame of mind. I’m not into hypotheticals of what’s going to happen, but his frame of mind is really good right now… I mean, I don’t want to say [he’s] still deciding, but all indications are he’s wanting to move forward and play.”
Ward started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent. He got his chance with the Kansas City Chiefs and ran with it.
The Middle Tennessee product spent four seasons with the Chiefs. He started out as a backup cornerback before he carved out a role as a starter and contributed to the team’s Super Bowl LIV win.
The San Francisco 49ers signed Ward to a three-year, $40.50 million contract ahead of the 2022 season. He spent three years in San Francisco helping the team to two playoff berths.
Charvarius Ward is now entering the second year of a three–year, $54 million deal with the Colts. The team hopes that he’s able to suit up for the 2026 season.