Ward Joins Guardians Ownership
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward purchases minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians
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Key Points
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Ward’s two-year, $62.2 million Browns extension includes $52.3 million guaranteed, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive backs.
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Across eight NFL seasons, Ward has recorded 18 interceptions and 104 passes defended, in addition to his five Pro Bowl selections.
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The Guardians were valued at roughly $1.66 billion to $1.7 billion, although reports did not disclose the size of Ward’s investment.
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Guardians Chairman Paul Dolan and Vice Chairman David Blitzer called Ward a “hometown hero on the field and off it,” citing his “excellence, character and commitment to this community” as reasons he was a strong fit for the ownership group.
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Ward’s investment comes as the Guardians are pursuing another postseason berth: the team has reached the playoffs in seven of the past 10 seasons and was reported to be one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League’s final wild-card spot.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward has purchased a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians, joining Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the franchise's ownership group The Score. Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler and Ohio State alumnus, bought his share from Guardians vice chairman David Blitzer's 35% holding. The investment allows Ward to deepen his ties to his hometown beyond football while the Guardians pursue another postseason berth this season.
Ward's Path From Macedonia to Ownership
Ward grew up in Macedonia, Ohio, and played college football at Ohio State before the Browns drafted him in 2018. Across eight NFL seasons, he has recorded 18 interceptions and 104 passes defended. Last month, he signed a two-year, $62.2 million extension with Cleveland that includes $52.3 million guaranteed, ranking him among the NFL's highest-paid defensive backs SF Gate.
His community work extends well beyond the field. Ward founded the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, which promotes CPR training and access to automated external defibrillators in schools. The Guardians plan to honor him at an upcoming home game, recognizing both his athletic and civic contributions.
Blitzer's Ownership Path and the Guardians Transition
David Blitzer, the Guardians vice chairman, owns 35% of the franchise and holds an option to become the controlling owner after the 2027 season NH Register. The team was valued at roughly $1.66 billion to $1.7 billion, though the exact size of Ward's investment has not been disclosed. Blitzer sold a portion of his stake to Ward, broadening the ownership group during this transition period.
Chairman Paul Dolan called Ward a "hometown hero on the field and off it," citing his "excellence, character and commitment to this community" as key reasons for the partnership KDH News. Ward's investment strengthens the Cleveland credibility of the ownership group as Blitzer moves toward potential control.
Athletes Building Long-Term Wealth Beyond Playing Careers
Ward and Kelce represent a growing trend of star athletes converting athletic earnings into ownership stakes and post-career financial interests. Both men have deep ties to their home regions, which makes their investments in local franchises natural extensions of their identities. These stakes also create lasting influence in their communities after their playing days end.
The Guardians have reached the playoffs in seven of the past 10 seasons and were recently reported to be one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League's final wild-card spot SF Gate. Ward's ownership stake ties him to the team's ongoing success, aligning his financial interests with winning on the diamond while he continues his career with the Browns.
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