an Francisco as a free agent two years ago, prioritizing business over titles and the opportunity to play with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It was a decision that earned him a lucrative three-year, $40.5 million contract, but also cost him the chance to add to his ring count.
During Sunday’s Super Bowl, Ward, now a first-time Pro Bowler, found himself on the losing side as the Chiefs secured their third championship in five years and second consecutive without him. Emotions got the best of him and he took to Twitter to fire off some since-deleted tweets, including one aimed at New York Jets star Sauce Gardner, who had predicted the 49ers would lose to the Chiefs.
In the now-deleted post, Ward criticized Gardner’s lack of playoff experience and told him to focus on his own team instead of commenting on the Super Bowl. Ward had made a name for himself as a key player on the Chiefs’ defense, but ultimately chose to leave for San Francisco in pursuit of financial gain.
Prior to the Super Bowl, he admitted that the decision was based on financial gain and the desire to win.
According to Ward, “I was aware that the Chiefs couldn’t afford me when I entered free agency. My agent and I had two priorities when searching for a new team; we wanted to join a winning team and be well-compensated. The 49ers were able to meet both of those requirements.”
Although he didn’t secure another Super Bowl victory with the 49ers, it’s understandable that he prioritized financial gain.
