Charvarius Ward

Charvarius Ward's Biography

Charvarius :Mooney” Ward is an American football cornerback, who was born on the May 16, 1996, and is currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Ward is known for his incredible combination of physical attributes and football IQ, which has helped him become one of the most feared defenders in the NFL.

Ward started his football journey at McComb High School. As a senior, he earned All-region honors after recording an impressive stat line of 48 tackles and one interception. He then carried his talents over to Hinds Community College. In his freshman year, he was able to consistently impact the game by collecting 32 tackles, five passes defended, three interceptions, and forcing a fumble. As a sophomore, he continued his stellar performance by recording 32 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, and one blocked kick.

About his next step in his academic and athletic career, he decided to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University for his junior season. In the 12 games he appeared in, he had 26 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, one QB hurry, and one fumble recovery. As a senior, he played in 13 games, putting up 48 tackles (6th on the team), 3 tackles for loss, one sack, and 14 passes defended, leading the team in the last category.

After his college career, Ward attracted the eyes of many pro scouts and analysts. He didn’t receive an invitation to the NFL combine; however, he was able to showcase his skills at Middle Tennessee State’s pro day, greatly elevating his draft stock. He was ranked as the 46th best cornerback prospect in the 2018 NFL draft.

On April 30, 2018, the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a three-year, $1.71 million contract. Unfortunately, his time with the Cowboys was short-lived as he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for offensive guard Parker Ehinger. During his rookie year, he debuted professionally in a 27-23 victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. He finished his rookie season with 30 combined tackles, 26 solo tackles, and three deflected passes in 13 games.

Despite starting his career as a backup, Ward quickly earned his way into the starting lineup. In his debut as a starting cornerback, he made a significant impact with four deflected passes during a win against the Indianapolis Colts. Even in defeat against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, Ward’s skill was evident when he nearly caught a game-ending interception.

In the subsequent season, Ward continued his ascendency, accumulating remarkable stats that included 74 total tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Ward and the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, with Ward contributing four tackles.

In 2020, Ward was named the No. 1 starting cornerback for Week 1 of the season. He suffered a fractured hand in Week 1, which sidelined him for Week 2. He returned in Week 3. He ended the season with 51 total tackles, one sack, and six passes defended. He helped the Chiefs again make it to the Super Bowl, although this time they didn’t clinch the title, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 2021, the Chiefs placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Ward, and on June 10, he signed a one-year contract. Even though he missed four games due to a hamstring strain, he was able to finish the regular season with impressive stats that included 67 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass defense. The Chiefs made it to the playoffs; however, they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship.

In the 2022 free agency period, the San Francisco 49ers signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract. Since joining the 49ers, Ward has put up career highs in tackles and pass deflections and recorded his three career interceptions. His contributions in the 2023 season culminated in a career-high 5 interceptions and leading the NFL in pass deflections (23), which earned him the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. Unfortunately, the 49ers couldn’t secure a Super Bowl victory and lost to his former team, the Chiefs.

Away from his remarkable career, Ward has an interesting personal life. He prefers to be addressed by his nickname, “Mooney,” a name bestowed upon him during his childhood by his mother. The exact origin of the moniker remains a mystery to him and his mother. This uniqueness in his name reflects his standing within his family, as he notes, “Everybody in my family got a nickname…Nobody gets called by their real name. I guess it’s a Mississippi thing.” His nickname characterizes his journey perfectly, a unique journey that brought him from Mississippi to the heart of the NFL’s elite. In him, you find an athlete whose extraordinary abilities, tenacity, and love for the game have brought him great success.