Browns CB Denzel Ward joins Travis Kelce as minority investor in Cleveland Guardians

Berea, Ohio (AP) — NFL cornerback Denzel Ward has become a minority investor in the Cleveland Guardians, joining Travis Kelce in this investment. The Guardians announced this development on Wednesday morning. Ward has acquired a small portion of David Blitzer's 35% stake in the franchise. Blitzer, the team's vice chairman, could potentially become the controlling owner by the 2027 season.

Currently, the Dolan family holds the majority stake in the Guardians. Ward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to become part of the Cleveland community in this capacity. He is a lifelong Cleveland resident and has expressed his love for the city. The Guardians will honor Ward during their Tuesday game against the Chicago White Sox.

Ward and Kelce are the latest NFL players to invest in the Guardians. Kelce, a native of Cleveland Heights, was set to throw out the first pitch before the Guardians' game against Detroit Tigers, but the game was delayed due to rain. The Guardians will formally recognize Ward's involvement during this game. Ward recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Browns worth $62.2 million, including $52.3 million guaranteed.

This makes him one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive backs. Ward was drafted fourth overall in 2018 by the Browns out of Ohio State.