Luke Hales/Getty Images San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward admitted the tragic death of his 23-month-old daughter, Amani Joy, might impact what comes next for him professionally. Ward, 28,

Ward was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2023, leading the NFL in passes defended (23) and recording five interceptions for a 49ers team that went to the Super Bowl. He missed three games this season after his daughter’s death and told The Athletic in December that football was not the preeminent force in his life.

Charvarius Ward returned to play in five of the final six games of the season, but he said on Monday that it wasn't easy for him to be

Charvarius Ward isn't sure he'll return to the San Francisco 49ers, saying that there's been a lot of "trauma" over the past year since the death of his baby daughter Amani Joy.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward says that the personal trauma he’s suffered in California will factor into whether he returns to the team in free agency this offseason. Ward spoke with reporters in front of his locker on Monday about his impending free agency and whether he expects to come back to San Francisco next season.

Ward announced his daughter’s death in an Instagram post on Oct. 29 and took time away from the team following the tragedy. He missed three games before coming back last month for the 49ers game against the Bills. Ward said that he still deals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward is grappling with unimaginable grief following the death of his daughter, Amani Joy.