In the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII, the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face each other, marking a rematch from Super Bowl LIV. Notably, 18 players from both teams remain with their respective squads since their previous encounter in 2020, with two players having switched sides.
Richie James, a wide receiver/returner for the Chiefs, was part of the 49ers in the last Super Bowl clash between Kansas City and San Francisco. Conversely, Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the 49ers, was previously on the Chiefs. During Super Bowl Opening night, Ward was asked about his experience being on the opposing side.
“It’s better over here,” Ward remarked. When questioned about why it’s better, he responded, “In every way possible.”
Following an undrafted start from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018, Charvarius Ward began his NFL journey with the Dallas Cowboys but was swiftly traded to the Kansas City Chiefs before his rookie season. Establishing himself as a starter in his second NFL year, Ward accumulated notable statistics, including four interceptions, 29 passes defensed, and 222 combined tackles in 56 games with the Chiefs.
When it came time for a new contract, Ward secured a lucrative three-year deal worth up to $42 million with the San Francisco 49ers. The move to the Bay Area proved fruitful for Ward, who elevated his performance with a career-high 11 passes defensed in 2022 and five interceptions in 2023. These achievements, coupled with his league-leading 23 passes defensed, earned him selections to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.
As Ward prepares for his 17th career playoff game, tying an NFL record for most playoff games through six seasons, he acknowledges that the Chiefs winning a Super Bowl the previous year diminishes the idea of them making a mistake in letting him go. Nevertheless, Ward sees his move to the 49ers as mutually beneficial, having found success and recognition in San Francisco.
