Denzel Ward made history this week, and he didn’t waste a second showing love to the fans who helped him get there.
The Browns’ star cornerback earned his fifth career Pro Bowl nod - the most ever by a corner in franchise history - and he took to social media to thank those who’ve supported him through the highs and lows. It’s a major milestone for Ward, even in a season that hasn’t exactly been his most dominant.
Let’s be honest: 2025 hasn’t looked like peak Denzel Ward. His production is down across the board.
Compared to last year - when he racked up 41 solo tackles, 19 pass breakups, and two picks in 16 games - this season has seen a dip. Through 13 games, he’s sitting at 29 solo tackles, eight PBUs, and just one interception.
He’s also allowing a 94.8 passer rating when targeted, the highest of his career, per Pro Football Focus. That’s not the kind of stat line we’re used to seeing from a guy who’s long been one of the NFL’s top shutdown corners.
Still, the Pro Bowl selection speaks to Ward’s reputation around the league - not just as a player, but as a leader. And while fans might debate whether his 2025 tape warranted the nod, there’s no questioning the respect he commands from peers, coaches, and voters alike.
Of course, Pro Bowl snubs are part of the annual tradition, and Browns fans have one of the biggest this year in rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The first-year standout didn’t even land alternate status, with that spot instead going to Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair.
And over in Cincinnati, Bengals fans are scratching their heads, too. D.J.
Turner, who currently leads the league in passes defensed, was left off the roster while Ward got the call.
That’s the Pro Bowl process for you - part popularity contest, part performance-based, and rarely without controversy. But Ward’s selection is still a big deal, especially for a player who’s poured so much into the franchise.
And his message to the Dawg Pound? He’s not done yet.
In a heartfelt post, Ward thanked fans, teammates, and coaches for helping him make history. But he also looked ahead - and he didn’t hold back:
“We are still striving for bigger and better goals! The Cleveland Browns WILL make the playoffs next year!
BELIEVE we will make this city proud. Just keep riding with us a little longer.”
That’s a bold message from a veteran who’s seen the ups and downs of Cleveland football firsthand. And while some fans might be hesitant to buy in - especially after what could be a second straight three-win season - Ward’s confidence is clear.
He’s not talking about rebuilding. He’s talking about bouncing back.
Of course, it’s going to take more than belief. Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s future remains uncertain, and the Browns are staring down another top-three draft pick.
The Deshaun Watson contract continues to weigh heavily on the team’s salary cap, limiting flexibility. And after back-to-back years of falling short, frustration is running high.
But Ward’s message isn’t just about next year’s record. It’s about leadership, accountability, and the belief that this roster - young, talented, and still developing - has the core pieces to turn things around.
He’s not alone in that thinking. Inside the locker room, there’s still a sense that the right offseason moves could spark a quick turnaround.
The Browns have foundational talent. They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball. What they need now is direction - and a front office willing to make the hard decisions that shift a culture.
So no, fans probably aren’t ready to talk playoffs just yet. Not until they see real change.
But if there’s one thing Denzel Ward has earned over the years, it’s the benefit of the doubt. He’s battled, he’s led, and now, he’s made history.
And if he’s still believing in what this team can become - maybe that’s worth listening to.