NFL star Denzel Ward, known for his defensive plays with the Cleveland Browns, has expanded his involvement in Ohio’s sports scene by becoming a minority owner of the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians. Drafted by the Browns in 2018, Ward recently signed a two-year contract extension worth $62.2 million, pushing his career earnings to over $103 million. His deep roots in the city are reflected not only in his football career but also in his recent investment in the hometown baseball team, a franchise he has admired since childhood.

Ward’s engagement with the Cleveland community extends beyond sports ownership. He founded the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation in honor of his late father, Paul G. Ward Jr., focusing on heart disease education, prevention, and treatment. The foundation also organizes annual football events and mentorship programs aimed at high school athletes throughout Greater Cleveland, demonstrating Ward’s dedication to giving back and supporting young people in the area.

The opportunity to join the Guardians’ ownership group came as a meaningful milestone for Ward, who described the experience as “surreal.” He expressed gratitude toward the team’s leadership—Chairman and CEO Paul Dolan and Vice Chairman David Blitzer—for welcoming him into the organization. Both executives highlighted Ward’s outstanding character, commitment to the community, and his role as a hometown hero, making him an ideal addition to the Guardians’ future.

This move marks a significant step in Ward’s business ventures, illustrating how professional athletes are leveraging their resources to influence and invest in their communities off the field. By aligning himself with the Guardians, Ward not only strengthens his connection to Cleveland but also sets an example for other athletes to expand their impact through ownership opportunities in sports franchises.