San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward acknowledged that a series of injuries and off-the-field issues have left a “dark cloud” hanging over the team all season.
Ward suffered tragedy earlier this year when she lost her one-year-old daughter. He revealed a little about it in an interview. The Athletic on Thursday night.
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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (number 7) after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Kelley L Cox-Imagn image)
“Personally, it was hard for me to go to work every day, every game, even go to practice and meetings,” he told the outlet. “I almost quit a few times. Now, I know the fans might hate me[for saying this]but it's, this is reality. It's more than football. It’s important.”
“This is certainly the most difficult time of my life.”
Ward missed three games from November 10 to November 24, before returning to the 49ers' 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on December 1.
He announced that his daughter Amani Joy passed away on October 29th.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy, passed away on Monday morning. She was the greatest blessing we could have hoped for. Her joyful spirit will be missed by all of us. She taught us patience, trust, and faith.'' She overcame adversity from a young age and was always happy, filling every room with a smile. It illuminated me.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward attempts to collect the ball on an incomplete pass by the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. #7). (Kelley L Cox-Imagn image)
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“Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better. She will forever be daddy's best friend and mommy's little girl. I miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
of san francisco chronicle Ward and his girlfriend Monique Cooke's journey to parenthood began earlier this year with a scare when blood tests revealed their baby had Down syndrome and an ultrasound revealed a heart defect. It is said in detail.
Despite the situation, Ms. Ward remained optimistic, telling Cook that she would be a beautiful girl and that no matter what happened, they would love and cherish her.
Amani underwent open-heart surgery when she was 10 months old, and Ward admitted she felt happy just laying her baby down at night and watching her sleep.
Ward, a 28-year-old undrafted free agent, is in his seventh season in the NFL. He started his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the team win the Super Bowl, and joined the 49ers in 2022.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (number 17) hits San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on December 12, 2024. Reacts after catching a first down next to Ward (No. 7). (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
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The 49ers gave Ward as much time as he needed to return.
FOX News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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