INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — 2024 was a difficult year for Charvarius Ward.

In October, his one-year-old daughter passed away.

Ward said he needed a fresh start. The former 49er signed with the Colts in free agency for a three-year, $54 million contract.

“I had to get out of San Francisco,” Ward said. “It was a lot of PTSD out there. It was painful to be out there. Mentally, every day, it was draining.”

“Mentally, I was in Texas with my family,” Ward said. “Physically, I was in Santa Clara with the 49ers.”

After the season ended, Ward said he got the hunger back. He started missing the game. He said he’s ready to go out and show that he’s one of the best cornerbacks of the game.

Ward said that the Colts were the most aggressive team to pursue him in free agency.

“I think they wanted me more than anybody,” Ward said. “That shows me that they respect my game. They respected me. And I feel like the more you respect me, the harder I play for you. The harder I go.”

Ward thinks he fits well in new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system due to his versatility. He added that he thinks that Anarumo told him that Ward will be able to travel with the opposing team’s best receiver and let him press and do his thing, being aggressive.

Ward said he’s a leader by example and can bring the team championship experience. He won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs and made it to another Super Bowl with the 49ers.

“I’m going to try to help these guys get over the hump and make the playoffs,” Ward said.

Ward made it to the Pro Bowl and was on the All-Pro Second Team in 2023, leading the NFL with 23 passes defended.

He joins fellow Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II in the Colts secondary.