Browns star joins Cleveland Guardians ownership group

CLEVELAND (WKBN) -- Cleveland Browns five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward has joined the ownership group of the Cleveland Guardians as a minority investor in the franchise.

He joins Cleveland Heights native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who was announced as a fellow Guardians' minority investor back in May.

"Cleveland is my hometown. I'm so blessed to be able to show up for this city on the field and now as a part of the Guardians organization," Ward said. "I couldn't be more grateful to the Dolan family and David Blitzer for the opportunity to continue to pour into this community and give back to the best fans in the world."

Ward is a native of Macedonia, Ohio and a graduate of Nordonia High School. He played college football at Ohio State, before being selected in the first round, at No. 4 overall, in the 2018 NFL Draft.

He recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Browns that will keep him with the team through the 2029 season.

"Denzel Ward is a hometown hero on the field and off it," Paul Dolan, Guardians Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and David Blitzer, Guardians Vice Chairman, said. "His excellence, character and commitment to this community – including his work with the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation – make him a perfect fit for our organization. We are proud to welcome him as a partner in the Guardians future."

According to a release from the Guardians, Ward will be honored at Progressive Field on Tuesday, September 15 at a game against the Chicago White Sox.