Overview
- Ward confirmed Wednesday that he will return to the Indianapolis Colts for the 2026 season and said he is in a much better mental and physical place.
- He suffered three concussions in 2025 that put him in the NFL concussion protocol multiple times and caused him to miss 10 games.
- Ward said the October 2024 death of his daughter, Amani Joy, heavily affected his 2025 season and led him to briefly consider retirement.
- He credited offseason mental-health work, spiritual practice and closer family support—including his young son—for renewing his motivation and says he may wear a guardian cap as extra head protection.
- Ward plans to rebuild his on-field form in 2026, aims to play alongside Sauce Gardner, and his case highlights ongoing NFL questions about player safety and long-term brain health.