Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward is doing what he can to help his community. As part of his self-made foundation “Make Them Know Your Name,” the two-year NFL veteran will pay the biggest monthly expense of 21 Cleveland residents.
Ward announced the endeavor on his foundation's Twitter account on Wednesday and mentioned that he knows many service industry workers and business owners are struggling due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
We’re here to help 21 of our neighbors who have taken a direct hit from the COVID-19 crisis. Denzel wants to take the burden of 1 big payment off your hands this month- rent, mortgage, groceries… we got you.
Click the link in our bio to fill out the form and tell us your story. pic.twitter.com/geD0nHv9lU— Make Them Know Your Name (@MTKYN_) April 1, 2020
COVID-19 has forced many workers across the country and the world out of jobs, and with the total cases in the country rising every day, the Browns star cornerback wanted to do something to give back to his community.
Article Continues Below“It’s unique for me because the community I’m fortunate enough to play for is the community that helped raise me my entire life,” Denzel Ward said per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
According to the New York Times, Ohio has reported over 2,500 cases of COVID-19 — with 65 total deaths being reported at the time of writing.
On the field, Ward has quickly developed into one of the best defensive backs in the entire NFL with the Browns. After being drafted fourth overall in 2018 out of Ohio State, Ward went on to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
The 22-year-old wasn't able to make another Pro Bowl in 2019, but he did record 44 tackles, 11 passes defended, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one touchdown despite being limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury.
As for the Browns, the team as a whole excelled at defending the pass, ranking seventh in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (216.9) and eighth in interceptions (14).