Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward has yet to appear at the Cleveland Browns’ facility for organized team activities this offseason.
During his free youth camp on Wednesday, May 27, in his hometown of Macedonia, Ohio, Ward assured reporters he is working out on his own. Also, he has been in touch with defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch and new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.
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Meanwhile, the Browns are getting acquainted with new head coach Todd Monken before mandatory minicamp begins June 9.
Ward joked that he has other important duties that have kept him from attending OTAs.
“I’ve been training, working out. I got a girlfriend. I gotta take her on some dates,” Ward said, per beat writer Dan Labbe on X.
Ward is dating Serbian model Nada Lukovic. The pair stepped out together earlier this year at Paris Fashion Week and the Super Bowl. In fact, Ward posted several times on Instagram this spring from Belgrade, Serbia.
Browns defensive stalwart
Except for NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Ward is Cleveland’s top defensive player. The eight-year pro out of Ohio State has started 107 games for the Browns, often covering the opponent’s top wide receiver.
Ward, 29, has 18 career interceptions, including two for touchdowns, and 104 passes defended. In 2025, Ward earned his third straight Pro Bowl appearance and the fifth of his career. He recorded 39 tackles, one interception and nine passes defended.
Ward said he isn’t trying to send a message by staying away from OTAs. And he is looking forward to making acquaintances with Browns rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.
“It’s up to people if they want to read into it, but no, I’ve just been working my craft, working out and getting ready,” Ward said, per the Akron Beacon-Journal. “I’ve still been checking them out though, so I’ve been in the iPad seeing what those new guys have been looking like. So I got something for them when I get there though.”
