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Denzel Ward has played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns for eight seasons. Off the field, he recently became a part-owner of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team as a minority investor, joining NFL star Travis Kelce who did the same. Ward is 29 and grew up in Cleveland. He used money from his latest contract to buy his ownership stake, and plans to stay committed to the community and charitable work in Northeast Ohio for the long haul. Denzel Ward explains his Guardians ownership decision The move became official Wednesday, when the Guardians announced Ward as their newest minority investor. He is the second big NFL name with Cleveland ties to buy into the franchise, which is valued at $1.69 billion, following Travis Kelce’s investment back in May. Ward was candid when speaking on what the investment means to him personally. “I’m a Cleveland kid and love Cleveland to death,” Ward said. “And just had the opportunity to be a part of the Cleveland Community in different ways. And this way, with the baseball team with the Guardians, as I said, it’s just a great opportunity, and looking forward to see what we continue to do.” Guardians Chairman and CEO Paul Dolan and Vice Chairman David Blitzer praised Ward in a joint statement announcing the move. “Denzel Ward is a hometown hero on the field and off it,” they said. “His excellence, character and commitment to this community make him a perfect fit for our organization. We are proud to welcome him as a partner in the Guardians future.” Ward’s ties to Northeast Ohio go back well before his NFL career started. He grew up in Macedonia, Ohio, played high school football at Nordonia, and became a star at Ohio State before the Browns made him the fourth overall pick in 2018. He also runs the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, a cardiac arrest awareness charity he started in honor of his late father. Browns face rough stretch as Guardians push for a playoff spot Ward’s new business venture arrives during a stark contrast in fortunes for Cleveland’s two franchises. The Browns struggled to a combined 8-26 record during the 2024 and 2025 seasons following their 2023 playoff appearance, while the Guardians sit at 74-72 as they push for a wild-card spot and the AL Central crown down the stretch. Ward remains locked into Cleveland’s future on the football field as well. The five-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year, $62.2 million extension in July that runs through 2029, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history for the second time in his career. The Guardians plan to celebrate Ward’s arrival next Tuesday, September 15, at Progressive Field during a key series against the Chicago White Sox, adding another milestone to a tight playoff race that is expected to go down to the final weeks of the season.