The NFL community is saddened by the death of Charvarius Ward’s daughter Amani Joy Ward, who was only one year old. On October 28, 2024, Charvarius used social media to post a touching homage to Amani’s life and work.
Charvarius showed his grief with a touching picture of Amani smiling with a loved one. He called her “the greatest blessing” because she brought joy, patience, and trust into their lives. She had the strength and guts to deal with problems at such a young age, which amazed him.
Charvarius talked about how Amani changed his life as the founder of the charity Charvarius for Change, which began in 2021. Being her dad taught him to be patient and thankful, which changed the way he saw life.
Charvarius and Amani’s mom, Monique, loved every moment they had with their daughter. He wrote in his remembrance, “She will always be her mother’s little girl and her father’s best friend.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, Monique shared his sadness and asked, “God, why?”
Amani was praised on the 49ers’ official Instagram account, which used words like “pure happiness” and “contagious laugh.” The team showed support for Charvarius and Monique by standing with them in their grief.
Charvarius shared photos and videos of Amani’s life in a past tribute on World Down Syndrome Day. He was honest about how hard it was for him at first to accept her illness but how he eventually saw it as “a gift from God.”
Every post on Amani’s personal Instagram account, which documented important events in her life, showed how much Charvarius and Monique loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they deal with this terrible loss.
People who knew Amani will always remember the happiness and love she brought to those around her. She loved her family very much. May the memories they have of her help them feel better.
