Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward recently faced a major setback as he suffered a concussion this summer, which kept him out of much of the training camp. This incident raises serious questions about his future in the NFL, especially given that this is his fifth concussion in his professional career. With concussions being a significant concern in today’s game, many wonder if Ward might consider retiring to protect his long-term health.
In recent years, the NFL has increased its focus on player safety, but the risk of concussions and their lasting impacts remains a critical issue. A similar situation arose with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was contemplating retirement after multiple head injuries in the 2022 season but ultimately chose to continue his football career. This highlights the tough decisions players face when dealing with recurring concussions.
Denzel Ward, who has been a key player for the Browns since joining the league, has already experienced five concussions throughout his six-season career. This tally does not even account for potential head injuries he might have sustained in college or other instances that may not have been officially recognized as concussions. Despite consulting with a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh, Ward has not seriously considered retiring at this point.
To mitigate the risk of further head injuries, Ward plans to use a specialized helmet designed to reduce the impact of concussions. However, he has opted not to use the guardian cap, a padded cover for helmets that provides additional protection. This decision reflects his approach to balancing safety with his commitment to playing the game.
At 27 years old, Ward’s NFL career has been marred by a series of injuries, including a history of missing games each season. Although he has never played a full 16-game season, he remains an effective player when on the field. The Browns, however, are aware that they cannot rely on him for all 17 games this season. If he suffers another concussion, it could lead to serious questions about his future in the league.