Indianapolis Colts' Charvarius Ward Sr. 'Wanting to Move Forward and Play'

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — One of the biggest questions of the Indianapolis Colts' offseason has some clarity, but is still not yet crystal clear.

After the 2025 season, cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. told reporters that he was seriously contemplating retirement following three concussions that put him on the Injured Reserve list twice.

This week at the NFL Scouting Combine, Colts general manager Chris Ballard stated that Ward has indicated he would like to continue playing.

"All indications is he's wanting to move forward and play," Ballard said.

Now, where Ward has apparently decided he would like to play, and whether the Colts will move forward with him as well, is a bit cloudy.

"Yeah, we've had discussions. I know our coaches and Shane (Steichen) have had long discussions. I had long discussions at the end of the year, and every day," Ballard said about whether he's discussed with Ward whether he'll continue playing. "I mean, Mooney's a special 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, you know, we're gonna do the right thing for the player. He's in a good frame of mind. I'm not into hypotheticals of what's gonna happen, but his frame of mind is really good right now."

The Colts signed Ward to a three-year, $54 million deal last offseason to become their top corner in new coordinator Lou Anarumo's defense. Unfortunately, Ward suffered his first concussion in Week 1, which set the stage for him to ultimately miss much of the season.

After three concussions, Ward, who turns 30 in May, cited to reporters the severe and prolonged side effects he had during the season and his consideration for his family and long-term health as reasons for considering retirement.

Ward also remarked that if he does return in 2026 and gets another concussion, then he would likely retire. Whether that meant immediately or after the season is unclear.\

In an abridged, seven-game slate with the Colts, Ward was a standout performer and delivered the kind of play the team envisioned. According to Pro Football Focus, Ward was the eighth-best corner in football in 2025, with a grade of 77.1, just one slot ahead of teammate Sauce Gardner, whose 76.9 ranked ninth.

Ward had 25 tackles, a fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups. He was targeted 37 times and gave up 21 catches (56.8%), including zero touchdowns, for an average opponent passer rating of 81.6.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.