CLEVELAND, Ohio — When the Cleveland Browns selected Nordonia High School and Ohio State standout Denzel Ward with the fourth overall pick in 2018, they knew they were getting an elite cornerback. What they couldn’t have predicted was how this soft-spoken hometown talent would evolve into the franchise’s cultural cornerstone and community ambassador.
“Denzel to me, has just become the total package the last few years. I mean, he was always a really good player, right? He’s a Pro Bowler. But I do just think you’ve seen him step up in that way. You’ve seen him step up in the community,” Ashley Bastock explained on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, capturing Ward’s comprehensive impact.
Ward’s transformation has been particularly evident in his consistent presence at voluntary offseason workouts – a seemingly small detail that speaks volumes about his commitment to the organization. While established veterans sometimes skip these optional sessions, Ward makes them a priority.
“I do think Denzel Ward being there is meaningful. And I’ve said it before, just seeing guys who kind of show up to this for this football team like they haven’t accomplished anything — Like, hey, we have big goals and it starts in the spring. It doesn’t start in July, it starts in April,” Dan Labbe emphasized, highlighting Ward’s tone-setting approach.
What makes Ward’s evolution particularly remarkable is the contrast with his earlier, more reserved persona. The changes haven’t gone unnoticed by those covering the team day in and day out.
“It’s really a sight to behold to see how he has grown and developed over the last, I would say two years mostly. And he’s become a vocal leader,” Mary Kay Cabot observed, noting the shift in Ward’s demeanor both in media settings and within the team environment.
This leadership extends beyond words into tangible actions. Ward has opened his home to younger teammates, organized defensive back outings, and created a support system that accelerates the development of players like Martin Emerson Jr., who has flourished under Ward’s mentorship.
The significance of Ward’s growth is magnified by his status as a hometown hero. The pressure of playing for your hometown team has derailed numerous careers across sports, yet Ward has thrived under these circumstances, embracing his connection to Northeast Ohio rather than being burdened by it.
“It’s not easy to be that guy in your hometown. We’ve seen a lot of guys struggle with staying home when they get to the NFL. Sometimes that can be really hard. And so Denzel has really mastered that,” Labbe noted.
Perhaps most impressive is Ward’s commitment to community service. As the Browns’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Ward has channeled personal tragedy – the sudden death of his father – into positive impact through his Make Them Know Your Name foundation, which works to place AEDs in schools and public spaces.
His annual free skills camp at Nordonia High School represents another thread in the tapestry of Ward’s community engagement. “He does the skills camp every year for free. Like, that is not a thing a lot of guys do,” Bastock pointed out.
As the Browns navigate a transitional phase with numerous roster changes, Ward’s steady presence provides stability and continuity. His leadership takes on added importance as younger players look for examples of what it means to be a professional on and off the field.
For a franchise that has often lacked consistent leadership through turbulent times, Ward represents the ideal cornerstone – a homegrown talent who embodies excellence in every facet of his professional life.
To hear more about Ward’s remarkable evolution and other Browns insights, don’t miss the full episode of Orange and Brown Talk, where the hosts provide additional context on how Ward has become the franchise’s “total package” leader.
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Note: Artificial intelligence was used to help generate this story from the Cleveland Orange and Brown Talk Podcast by cleveland.com. Visitors to cleveland.com have asked for more text stories based on website podcast discussions.