San Francisco 49ers' Charvarius Ward Opens Up About Feeling a 'Dark Cloud' Following Death of Daughter: 'Bigger Than Football'

Mar. 15, 2025

Charvarius Ward.Photo:Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty

Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty

Charvarius Wardis opening up about how he’s been coping with thedeath of his 23-month-old daughter Amani Joy.

The San Francisco 49ers cornerback, 28, spoke withThe New York Timesafter his team lost to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Dec. 12, saying that this past season has been marked with many personal tragedies on and off the field.

“There’s been a dark cloud over us all season,” Ward said. “This will be a good offseason for this team to regroup, refocus and try to rekindle the spark.”

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Charvarius Ward.Cooper Neill/Getty

Cooper Neill/Getty

Sharing that he doesn’t know if he’s going to return next season, Ward said the past few months have been difficult as he’s navigated the death of his daughter.

“It’s been hard for me personally to go to work every day, every game — even to practice or go to meetings,” he said. “I almost left a couple of times. S—, I know fans probably hate me [for saying that], but f— it, it’s real life.”

“It’s bigger than football. This is the hardest time in my life for sure,” Ward admitted.

Charvarius Ward.Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Wardannounced the death of his daughter Amani Joy, whom he shares with his girlfriend Monique Cook. Sharing a photo of his daughter on hisInstagram, Ward wrote that his family was “heartbroken” as they processed the tragic news.

“She taught us to have patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery. She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile.”

“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. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy,” he ended his post.

source: people.com