San Francisco 49ers' Charvarius Ward Opens Up About Feeling a 'Dark Cloud' Following Death of Daughter: 'Bigger Than Football'

Charvarius Ward is opening up about how he's been coping with the death of his 23-month-old daughter Amani Joy.

The San Francisco 49ers cornerback, 28, spoke with The New York Times after his team lost to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Dec. 12, saying that this past season has been marked with many personal tragedies on and off the field.

"There's been a dark cloud over us all season," Ward said. "This will be a good offseason for this team to regroup, refocus and try to rekindle the spark."

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Related: San Francisco 49ers' Charvarius Ward Shares First Post Since Announcing Death of Daughter Amani Joy: 'My Soul Is Bleeding'

Sharing that he doesn't know if he's going to return next season, Ward said the past few months have been difficult as he's navigated the death of his daughter.

"It's been hard for me personally to go to work every day, every game — even to practice or go to meetings," he said. "I almost left a couple of times. S---, I know fans probably hate me [for saying that], but f--- it, it's real life."

"It's bigger than football. This is the hardest time in my life for sure," Ward admitted.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ward announced the death of his daughter Amani Joy, whom he shares with his girlfriend Monique Cook. Sharing a photo of his daughter on his Instagram, Ward wrote that his family was "heartbroken" as they processed the tragic news.

"We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning. She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear," Ward wrote in the caption.

"She taught us to have patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery. She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile."

"Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better. She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy," he ended his post.

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