Why 49ers’ Charvarius Ward Might Leave California After Daughter's Death

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, is currently a free agent, though 49ers general manager John Lynch has indicated he’d like to re-sign Ward if the contract makes sense. 

The football star announced the death of his daughter in October 2024, writing via Instagram that “she was the best blessing we could have asked for.” Ward and his partner, Monique Cook, welcomed Amani in November 2022. An official cause of death was not announced, though she had battled heart issues throughout her short life. 

“You know, I’ve got a lot of trauma in California,” Ward told reporters on Monday, January 6. “There were great times, but the worst thing that’s happened to me — that’s probably ever gonna happen to me, knock on wood — happened in California.”

San Francisco 49ers' Charvarius Ward and GF Monique Cook’s Romance Timeline

Ward is coming off his third season with the 49ers after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

“It just brings back bad memories,” Ward continued. “Every time I get on a plane to come back to California, San Jose, here, it’s just a bad memory. I go through that every night by myself because my girl doesn’t want to come back to California because of what happened.

He added of Cook, “She’s my strength right now. I need her.”

Ward admitted “it was hard for me personally to go to work every day, every game,” even going as far to say he “almost left a couple of times.”

“S—, I know fans probably hate me [for thinking about leaving the team], but f— it, it’s real life,” he said. “It’s bigger than football. This is the hardest time of my life for sure.”

According to The Athletic, Ward spent much of the 49ers locker clean-out day on Monday signing jerseys for his teammates, seemingly indicating that he wouldn’t be returning to the team. 

Still, Ward offered that there’s still hope he’ll be a Niner next season. “If they can afford me, there’s a chance I can come back,” he said. 

Girlfriend of 49ers' Charvarius Ward Speaks Out After Daughter’s Death

Two days after announcing Amani’s death, Ward acknowledged he was struggling with his grief. 

“My soul’s bleeding. I need you Amani. You did not deserve this.