Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward’s NFL career has taken a turn, and retirement rumors are now swirling about after a difficult season of injury news in 2025.
Now with the Indianapolis Colts, Ward revealed that he’s seriously considering retirement on January 5, after “battling complications from a series of three concussions” this year (per ESPN’s Stephen Holder).
“Ward, who finished the season on injured reserve after his latest concussion three weeks ago, said he has been unable to shake lingering symptoms and will prioritize his future health as he processes his decision,” Holder relayed with ESPN.
The Athletic’s James Boyd also reported that Ward admitted “his dad wants him to retire.”
“With the brain injuries, you don’t really see it … until you get older sometimes,” Ward told reporters while speaking at the Colts’ locker room cleanout day. “I’m still a pretty young guy and the more I beat my brain up, the more it’ll affect me as I get older. So, I’ve got a lot of life to live out of football. I’ve got to think about my family and kids, too. So, we’ll see.”
After winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2019, Ward eventually cashed in on a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. Last offseason, the veteran CB hit free agency for the second time, and the Colts pried him away from the Niners with a three-year, $54 million deal.
As of 2026, Ward has earned over $68 million in career earnings, with the opportunity for over $100 million if he were to finish out his contract in Indy. Not bad for a former undrafted free agent who was traded as a rookie.
Chiefs’ Charvarius Ward Trade Was a Major Steal for KC
Ward really broke out in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, helping the Chiefs secure their first Super Bowl title under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. And he was a big part of the championship run.
Ward started 16 games for Kansas City in 2019, not to mention another 3 in the playoffs. He started in Super Bowl LIV, too, finishing the entire 19-start campaign with 2 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 83 total tackles.
After that magical run, Ward went on to start another 31 games for the Chiefs over the next two seasons (including the playoffs). He was an integral part of Spagnuolo’s defense, ending his KC career with 4 interceptions and 38 pass breakups.
Bad News Keeps on Coming for Colts & Ex-Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward
GettyCharvarius Ward with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
It’s been a rough few years for Ward, who suffered an unthinkable death in the family while playing for the 49ers.
“Of particular importance for Ward is being available for his family,” Holder reminded in his article. “Ward’s 1-year-old daughter died after battling heart problems in October 2024 and Ward has struggled with his emotions since.”
The Colts beat reporter concluded that “he and his fiancée have a young son and Ward has yearned to be home in Texas with the family more often.”
On the bright side, Ward expressed to reporters that he is 100 percent content with his career on January 5.
“If I walk away, I feel like I’d be happy,” the former Chiefs DB said. “I’d have won the Super Bowl [with Kansas City] … made hella money, made the Pro Bowl, made All-Pro. I did everything I wanted to. So, I feel like if I walk away, I won’t regret it. I’m good.”
Perhaps it’s time for Ward to call it a career and focus on his health and his family. He’s expected to make a decision before free agency in March.
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