Cam Ward, one of the biggest rising stars in collegiate football, has already hit an impressive career milestone. He’s already convinced NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon to endorse him wearing the historic No. 1 jersey that Titans greats have worn. Ward, who wore that number during his four years at Miami, is happy to uphold Moon’s legacy. He is excited to take on this new chapter in his career.
Ward’s football journey has been remarkable. On the field, he achieved the hallowed success of Heisman Trophy finalist during his play at Miami. There, by throwing deep, he broke single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns. On top of that, he won the national collegiate quarterbacking award, the Davey O’Brien Award. These accomplishments have made him an intriguing player in the NFL.
Warren Moon, a legendary quarterback, wore the No. 1 jersey while playing for the Houston Oilers, where he amassed an impressive 33,685 passing yards and 196 touchdowns. To honor Moon’s amazing contributions to the franchise and the game as a whole, the Titans retired Moon’s No. 1 jersey. That unforgettable halftime ceremony was in 2006. Career combined passing touchdowns by a single player Moon still holds the record for career combined passing touchdowns with 158.
In recent weeks, Ward called Moon to seek his blessing. Specifically, he wants to wear the same number that symbolizes excellence on and off the field. Moon said that when he got the call from Ward, he was surprised by the request. But immediately he saw the importance of the gesture, and he gave Ward his blessing.
“Just to come here and be humble,” – Warren Moon
Ward’s connection to Houston runs deep. He is originally from West Columbia, Texas. Having grown up only an hour north of the city, Moon’s legendary imprint there inspired Davidson to make his own impact. The two players, other than sharing a hometown, have much more in common. They both played for competing schools, with Ward at Washington State and Moon at the University of Washington.
Ward knows the burden that comes with donning Moon’s number. He wants to strike the right balance between leaving his own legacy imprint on the NFL while celebrating and remembering one of the greats of football.
“I’m trying to get up to his level one day. He’s a Hall of Famer and for me to be in that same number is an honor.” – Cam Ward
Ward’s ready for his best season yet with the Titans. He’s more than happy to take on the responsibility that accompanies donning No. 1. He clearly intends to keep building beyond his predecessor’s exceptional record and wants to leave a legacy of his own.
Moon reflected on the importance of legacy in sports, noting, “You start thinking about your legacy and the things that you established when you were playing.” Those words couldn’t ring truer for Ward as he starts this new path.
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