Charvarius Ward: Bio, Career, Stats & 2026 Season

Charvarius Ward is an NFL cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts. Known by his childhood nickname “Mooney,” Ward has built his career from an undrafted free agent into an experienced starting cornerback.

Ward entered the NFL in 2018 with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Kansas City Chiefs. He helped Kansas City win Super Bowl LIV and later became one of the team’s regular starting cornerbacks. He then spent three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors after the 2023 season.

In 2025, Ward joined the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year contract. He returned for the 2026 season as part of the Colts’ secondary and wears No. 7. Through the first three games of the 2026 season, Ward has started all three games and recorded 12 total tackles and one pass deflection. He also made eight tackles in Indianapolis’ 19–17 win over the Houston Texans in Week 3.

From his early days at Hinds Community College and Middle Tennessee State to his Super Bowl experience and current role with the Colts, Ward’s NFL career has included several important chapters. This profile covers his background, college career, NFL journey, playing style, career statistics, major achievements, and current 2026 season.

Charvarius Ward Information

Career of Charvarius Ward

History of Charvarius Ward

Charvarius Ward took a different path to the NFL. He was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the Dallas Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent. That opportunity gave him his first chance to prove himself at the professional level.

Ward’s time in Dallas was short. In August 2018, the Cowboys traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs. The move became an important step in his career because he quickly worked his way into the Chiefs’ defensive rotation.

With Kansas City, Ward developed into a starting cornerback. He played a key role during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship season in 2019. He also became a regular starter and continued to build his reputation as a reliable defensive back.

After the 2021 season, Ward moved to the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a three-year contract with the team in March 2022 and started all 17 games in his first season with San Francisco. He finished that season with a career-high 87 tackles.

Ward had another strong year in 2023. He started all 17 games, recorded 72 tackles, broke up 23 passes and made five interceptions. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

After three seasons with the 49ers, Ward joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2025. The Colts signed him to a three-year contract worth $54 million, with $35 million guaranteed.

His first season in Indianapolis was limited to seven games. He finished 2025 with 25 tackles and seven passes defended. He also spent time on injured reserve during the season.

Ward returned to the Colts for the 2026 season. The team included him on its initial 53-man roster and listed him as a cornerback.

Early Life

Charvarius Ward was born on May 16, 1996, in McComb, Mississippi. He attended McComb High School and played football there.

His road to organized football was not always easy. According to the Colts, Ward had a large cyst on his hip that kept him in a wheelchair for nearly two years. He did not play a full season of organized football until his senior year of high school.

When he returned to the field, Ward made the most of his opportunity. As a high school senior, he recorded 48 tackles and one interception and earned All-region honors.

That season helped Ward continue his football journey at the college level.

College / Youth Career

Ward started his college career at Hinds Community College in Mississippi. During his freshman season, he recorded 32 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defended and one forced fumble.

As a sophomore, he added another 32 tackles, one interception, two passes defended and a blocked kick.

Ward then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University. He played 12 games with two starts during his junior season and recorded 26 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended.

In his senior year, Ward played 13 games and made eight starts. He finished with 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and a team-leading 14 passes defended.

His performance at Middle Tennessee helped him get a chance to show NFL teams what he could do. He did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, but he performed at the school’s pro day.

At that pro day, Ward ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, recorded a 31-inch vertical jump and posted an 11-foot broad jump. Those numbers helped raise attention around his NFL prospects.

Professional Career

Ward entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent. The Dallas Cowboys signed him on April 30, 2018.

Later that year, the Cowboys traded Ward to the Kansas City Chiefs. He made his regular-season NFL debut with Kansas City against the Denver Broncos on October 1, 2018. He finished his rookie season with 30 tackles and three passes defended in 13 games.

Ward became a starting cornerback for the Chiefs in 2019. He recorded his first NFL interception that season and finished with 74 tackles, 10 passes defended and two interceptions.

The biggest achievement of his Kansas City career came in Super Bowl LIV. Ward started against the San Francisco 49ers and helped the Chiefs win 31-20, giving him his first Super Bowl championship.

Ward remained with Kansas City through the 2021 season. During his final season with the Chiefs, he recorded 67 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defended.

In March 2022, Ward signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He immediately became a starting cornerback and started all 17 games in 2022. He recorded a career-high 87 tackles that year.

His 2023 season was another major point in his career. Ward started all 17 games, recorded 72 tackles, 23 passes defended and five interceptions. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

Ward played 12 games for San Francisco in 2024 and finished with 54 tackles and seven passes defended. He then moved to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency.

The Colts signed Ward on March 13, 2025, to a three-year, $54 million contract. The deal included $35 million guaranteed.

Current Club

Charvarius Ward currently plays cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts. He wears No. 7 and is listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 196 pounds. The Colts list Middle Tennessee State as his college and nine years of NFL experience.

Ward returned to Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL season after a difficult first year with the team in 2025. The Colts included him on their initial 53-man roster and listed him among their five cornerbacks.

The Colts’ 2026 depth chart has Ward listed as a starting cornerback. He has been part of the team’s starting secondary alongside other defensive backs, including Sauce Gardner.

Through Week 3 of the 2026 season, Ward has played in all three games. He has recorded 12 total tackles, including nine solo tackles, three assisted tackles and one pass deflection. In the Colts’ 19-17 win over the Houston Texans on September 27, Ward recorded eight tackles and one pass deflection.

Ward also dealt with a groin injury during the early part of the 2026 season. The Colts reported that he returned to practice on a limited basis before the Week 3 game against Houston.

At age 30, Ward brings several years of starting experience to the Colts’ defense. His career includes a Super Bowl championship, a Pro Bowl selection, All-Pro recognition and more than 100 regular-season NFL games.

Career Statistics

Player Honours & Awards

Playing Style / Role

Charvarius Ward is a cornerback who is known for his size, coverage ability, and physical style of play. He can stay with receivers in coverage and use his length to make plays on the ball.

Position

Cornerback

Strengths

• Strong man-to-man coverage
• Good size and length for a cornerback
• Physical at the line of scrimmage
• Good ball awareness
• Reliable tackling ability
• Experience in important NFL games

Playing Role

Ward’s main job is to cover opposing wide receivers and help limit passing plays. He can play on the outside and use his size and speed to stay close to receivers.

Key Abilities

• Pass coverage
• Interceptions
• Pass breakups
• Tackling
• Reading the quarterback
• Playing against top receivers

Role in Current Team

With the Indianapolis Colts, Ward brings veteran experience to the secondary. His role is centered on outside cornerback duties, pass coverage, and helping the defense defend against the passing game.

Major Career Moments

Charvarius Ward’s NFL career has included a Super Bowl win, a Pro Bowl season, and several important moments as a starting cornerback. Here are some of the key points from his career.

First Professional Game

Ward made his NFL regular-season debut with the Kansas City Chiefs on October 1, 2018, against the Denver Broncos. He recorded three tackles in his first game.

First Major Award

Ward earned his first Pro Bowl selection after the 2023 season. He also received second-team All-Pro honors that year.

Breakout Season

The 2023 season was a major year for Ward. He started all 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers and finished with 72 tackles, 23 pass deflections, and five interceptions. His six interceptions led the NFL that season.

Major Playoff Performance

Ward played an important role during the Chiefs’ playoff run in the 2019 season. He started in Super Bowl LIV and recorded four tackles and one pass deflection as Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20.

Career Milestone

Ward reached several career milestones during his time in the NFL. He became a full-time starter, played in two Super Bowls, earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023, and entered the 2025 season with 460 regular-season tackles and 10 interceptions.

Move to the Indianapolis Colts

In March 2025, Ward signed a three-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal marked the next major chapter of his NFL career after three seasons with the 49ers.

Current Team & 2026 Season

Charvarius Ward is continuing his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 season. He is listed as a cornerback and wears No. 7 for the Colts. The veteran defensive back remains part of Indianapolis’ secondary after joining the team in 2025.

2026 Season

Ward is in his ninth NFL season in 2026. He has started all three games for the Colts through Week 3.

Current Team

Indianapolis Colts

Current Position

Cornerback (CB)

Current Jersey Number

No. 7

2026 Statistics

Through three regular-season games, Ward has recorded:

• 3 games played
• 3 starts
• 12 total tackles
• 9 solo tackles
• 3 assisted tackles
• 1 pass deflection
• 0 interceptions
• 0 sacks

Recent Achievement

In Week 3 against the Houston Texans on September 27, 2026, Ward recorded eight tackles, including six solo tackles, and added one pass deflection in the Colts’ 19–17 win.

Current Role

Ward is working as an experienced cornerback in the Colts’ secondary. He has started each of Indianapolis’ first three games of the 2026 season, giving the defense an experienced presence on the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charvarius Ward

Who is Charvarius Ward?

Charvarius Ward is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted player and later became a starting cornerback.

What team does Charvarius Ward play for?

Charvarius Ward plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He joined the team in 2025 and wears jersey number 7.

What is Charvarius Ward’s jersey number?

Charvarius Ward wears No. 7 for the Indianapolis Colts. He has worn the number since joining the team.

How old is Charvarius Ward?

Charvarius Ward was born on May 16, 1996, in McComb, Mississippi. He is 30 years old in 2026.

How many interceptions does Charvarius Ward have?

Charvarius Ward has recorded 10 regular-season interceptions in his NFL career through the 2026 season. His best season for interceptions came in 2023, when he recorded five for the San Francisco 49ers.

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