SANTA CLARA: Before Charvarius Ward took a seat for a one-on-one interview on June 7, the 130-seat auditorium at Levi’s Stadium was empty.
After the 49ers’ offseason program concluded, Ward boldly shared his strategy for differentiating himself from the other best cornerbacks in the NFL this season.
That June day, Ward told this news group, “I leave a lot of plays on the field sometimes, but I’ve got the same skillset and am just as good as those guys.” “I really want to take advantage of all those opportunities this year.”
He has achieved it, and it has paid off as he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He will also find out on Friday if he receives an Associated Press All-Pro nod.
I simply ask myself, “Why not try to make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro team?” June saw the addition of Ward. “All-Pro is my preference because those are the best guys—coaches, journalists, and actual football experts. My objective is to become an All-Pro this year.
After spending his first four seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, he joined the 49ers as a much sought-after free agent in 2022. His five interceptions match his total from the previous five years combined.
On New Year’s Eve, Ward made his fifth interception close to the 49ers goal line to prevent a Washington Commanders comeback and secure a 27-10 victory. In the 49ers’ previous road game against Arizona, he had two interceptions, including a pick-six, and he was the NFL leader in pass breakups (23).
He has spoken that elite-level production into existence.
“It’s kind of self-fulfilling,” Ward remarked at his locker after the win in Washington. “I put a lot of effort into my work. I am aware that every player in the NBA puts in a lot of work throughout the summer to become the best. Being ranked among the greatest of the best is a great honor. We are the best in the world, and my family and God are the reasons I am among the best.
Ward has started every game this season, making him one of seven 49ers to do so in spite of a few lingering injuries (groin, foot).
“Keep competing against the man in the mirror,” he advised. He has been doing it all year, according to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. “He has been striving to improve every single day—not just every week—by competing against himself. It has materialized and benefitted him.
Corry Rush, the vice president of football communications for the 49ers, called Ward about the Pro Bowl last Wednesday morning. A wave of pride and happiness swept over Ward. And the hunt for more. “I’m hoping for that All-Pro,” Ward stated on Thursday.
the pursuit of more. “I’m hoping for that All-Pro,” Ward stated on Thursday.
DeRon Bland of the Cowboys and Pat Surtain II of the Broncos were the cornerbacks on the NFL Players Association’s All-Pro squad that was unveiled on Wednesday. Running back Christian McCaffrey, linebacker Fred Warner, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and left tackle Trent Williams made it from the 49ers.
This esteemed honor is earned by a cornerback who is so good that the defense adjusts its system to have him shadow the team’s best receiver, like Ward did admirably against D.K. Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Ward has admitted that he can still do better from June through January.
