Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward made history this season.
Ward became the first NFL player since 2000 (when defended passes officially became a statistic) to record at least 10 defended passes and two interceptions in each of his first six seasons in the league. He set the mark in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he broke up his 10th pass. Ward had previously intercepted two balls this season – in Weeks 7 and 9.
For this, the NFL put his game-worn jersey and gloves on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
🗣️New to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Denzel Ward's gloves & jersey from Week 11, when he recorded two passes defended to become the first player since at least 2000 to have at least 10 passes defended and two interceptions in each of his first six seasons.
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— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 29, 2023
Ward has become one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL since the Browns took him No. 4 overall in 2018. He’s recorded 15 interceptions, broken up 75 passes and tallied 268 combined tackles in his six-plus seasons in the league. His interceptions are tied for fifth, his defended passes are second and his tackles are 19th among all cornerbacks during that span.
He also has two Pro Bowl nods to his name. Ward was putting together another Pro Bowl-caliber season this year before a shoulder injury forced him to miss Week 12. It’s unclear if he’ll suit up for Week 13, but Ward reportedly isn’t likely to head to injured reserve. He has two interceptions, 10 defended passes and 29 combined tackles in 10 games.
