A Guardian Cap was not enough to keep Charvarius Ward worry-free after his debut with the Indianapolis Colts.
The veteran cornerback played 65 defensive snaps Sunday in the Colts’ 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Ward wore a Guardian Cap for the first time in his career in the contest, tallying two solo tackles.
Ward, who considered retiring after the 2025 season because of head injuries, spoke candidly to reporters after his first in-game experience wearing the protective headgear.
“I don’t know if it’s made a difference or not. I’ve got a headache right now,” Ward said.
“I don’t think it’s a concussion, but it is what it is. It’s just football, man. You’re going to get dinged up. You’re going to get knocked around. Football’s a dangerous game. Whatever comes with it, comes with it. I know what I signed up for.”
The 30-year-old added that he’ll continue to wear the Guardian Cap for his own safety.
Ward suffered three concussions during an injury-riddled 2025 campaign that saw him play a career-low seven games. One of those concussions came on a collision with a Colts teammate during pregame warmups.
Ward enjoyed his best season in 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded five interceptions and an NFL-best 23 passes defended, earning him a second-team All-Pro nod.
