Some would say it all began back when John Ward received his first Cleveland Browns pennant from his dad at the ripe old age of two. Others would say it began as he spent his teenage years faithfully watching the Kardiac Kids every Sunday.  But regardless of when it all began, John – or JW, as he is known to friends - has developed a life long love of Browns football that has only grown with him through the many years he’s followed the team.

Having watched Cleveland heroes like Brian Sipe, Ozzie Newsome and the Pruitt boys then later Bernie Kosar, Webster Slaughter and the famous Dixon & Minnifield duo, John’s passion runs deep.  None would deny that being a Browns fan is trying at times, but neither sitting through bone chilling temperatures to witness Red Right 88 nor surviving the heartbreak that was The Drive and later The Fumble could lessen his devotion. 

As a teenager growing up in Mentor, Ohio, he spent many summers attending training camp at Lakeland Community College where he took pictures and collected autographs of his favorite players.  He attended many memorable gridiron match-ups including the Double Overtime Jets game and the above mentioned playoff games with his dad.  Later, he and his then-girlfriend, now-wife of nearly twenty five years, Melissa, attended games together and shared their love of the Brown & Orange.  Together, they attended training camps and continued to follow the team faithfully and in 1990, they welcomed a new Browns fan in training with the birth of their daughter, Brianna. 

John has followed the team on the road to Detroit, Cincinnati, The Meadowlands and Pittsburgh and through his photographic affiliations; he’s had the opportunity to shoot games from the sidelines in both Cleveland Municipal Stadium and Three Rivers Stadium.  In 1995, he sadly witnessed the last game at the ‘old’ Cleveland Municipal Stadium as he mourned with the masses when the team was moved to Baltimore.

A lifelong dream was realized for John in 2001 when he became a season ticket holder and he has not missed a home game since.  Always in his seat for the National Anthem and ensuing kickoff and never, ever leaving before the final whistle, he enjoys sharing games with his wife and daughter and he continually welcomes other family and friends to join him each week.  After six years in their current home, John and Melissa have created a fully decked out “Browns Cave” in their basement complete with memorabilia, pictures and autographs dating back through the years they’ve followed the team. Greeting guests as they enter the room is a framed copy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer article in which they were recognized as Fans of the Week back in 2006.  Other highlights include that very first pennant he received as a toddler, pictures of his daughter, then just a tiny Browns Baby, being held by Ozzie Newsome and Clay Matthews, and nearly three decades worth of autographs – all framed and displayed proudly.  One ticket from each home game since 2001 serves as a border around the room and shelves of books, programs and other prized possessions serve as a shrine John is always willing to share with anyone and everyone.  

John works as a Systems Analyst for the Cleveland Clinic and has owned his own photography business for over twenty years now.  Whether he is photographing a wedding, shooting senior or family portraits, or capturing the fast pace of a sporting event or rock concert, he is most comfortable behind the lens and credits his work for connecting him with some of the most interesting people he’s met in his life.  This love of photography along the relationships he’s forged through his work has earned him the nickname “Photo Guy” and whether he’s at a family event, simply visiting with friends or tailgating before a Browns game, he is never without a camera to capture a moment and document a memory.

In addition to actively participating in United Way campaign drives in conjunction with his job at the Cleveland Clinic, John and his family host an Annual Ward Family Dawg Pound Party in which they welcome friends and family to cheer on their team while at the same time, helping a local animal shelter.  Taking donations for the Lake Humane Society at the party, John and Melissa – along with their many NFL faithful friends - have raised hundreds of dollars and donated numerous boxes of food, leashes, toys, treats, office/cleaning and other supplies to the shelter for the past six years.  The shelter has been very gracious for their continued efforts and welcomes the family in to visit the many animals benefiting from their donations each year. 

In addition to his ongoing efforts for the shelter, John has also donated and/or volunteered his time to the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots and other local Adopt-A-Child/Family events at both his job and in his community.  

Eternally devoted to his family, his friends and his beloved Cleveland Browns, John prides himself on being a lifetime Browns fan and - as has been proven for many years - he is undeniably a fan for all seasons… Draft Season, Pre-season, Regular Season and Post-season.