CLEVELAND — Browns cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Grant Delpit were honored for their work on and off the football field, the team announced Tuesday.
Ward, a fourth-year pro from Ohio State, was named the Browns’ recipient for Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award, which is given to one member of each team, recognizes exceptional performance on the field and their dedication to the community.
Ward will be presented with the award before Sunday’s game against the Ravens.
“What an honor it is to be named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for the Cleveland Browns,” said Ward. “To be mentioned in the same sentence as Walter Payton is a blessing. It means a lot to be nominated and represent my team, and also to be among so many guys in this league who I respect and who have been doing this a lot longer than me. As a Cleveland native, it is a priority for me to give back to my community, and I hope I can make an impact in a lot of ways – not just in northeast Ohio but everywhere.”
On the field, Ward has started in all 11 games for the Browns, making 29 tackles and three interceptions, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown.
Away from the gridiron, Ward has participated in a number of philanthropic efforts throughout the area.
“He has played at a high level this season, continually working to improve while helping our team win games, and that dedication extends to his involvement in northeast Ohio,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Along with his teammates, we greatly appreciate everything Denzel does in the building and for his meaningful investments in our community, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”
Delpit, who is playing his first season after sitting out the entire 2020 season, was the Browns’ recipient of the Ed Block Award. According to the Browns, the honor “exemplifies the qualities of Ed Block – the former head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts – based on courage, compassion, commitment and community.”
“Thank you to the Cleveland Browns organization, my teammates and the Browns athletic training staff for this great opportunity and for believing in me to help fight through this Achilles tear from last year,” said Delpit. “It was definitely a difficult test for me and I battled a lot, but my support system held it down to ultimately help me capture my goals. I also want to thank everyone who I worked with this past offseason to get me back and ready for this season.”
Delpit has started three games and appeared in 11. He has 30 tackles and an interception so far this season.
Delpit is set to be recognized Tuesday evening at the Providence House 26th Annual Deck the House Benefit Auction.