**

AURORA, Colo. —** Darian Stewart went golfing for the first time in his life on Monday, taking the golf clubs his wife bought him for his birthday last year to Blackstone Country Club for T.J. Ward's first charity golf tournament.

Stewart may not have dominated the links but he did help contribute to T.J. Ward's foundation that focuses on helping underprivileged chidren in communities from Oakland to Cleveland to Denver through education, physical fitness and healthy nutrition.

"It's a great feeling that everyone came out in full support," Ward said. "I think we have 108 golfers and 30 sponsors. It's a great turnout. I'm very pleased and grateful and thankful for everyone's support."

The day started with a putting contest between the golfers who registered and the special guests before the groups split off to start golfing. Among the guest athletes were Ward's Broncos teammates Aqib Talib, David Bruton Jr., Jordan Norwood, Stewart, Browns defensive Back Joe Haden and more.

But it all came back to the mission of the event, which is to give back to the communities that have helped him throughout his life.

"First off, it's been stressed upon me since [I was a] young kid the importance of giving back, helping people and supporting in your community, like I've gotten support in my communities," Ward said. "I just want to give that back to the kids coming up. Kids are the future. I mean, I hate to sound like cliché but it's true."

Golfing gave the registered guests an opportunity to meet and spend time golfing with some of the best football players on the planet, even if the sport can offer as much frustration as fun at times for players, especially those new to the game.

"I think it's just a great way to get a bunch of people together, get to mingle and have fun. It's a little relaxed environment and it's a fun day. Golf is fun, right? Sometimes," he said with a laugh.