Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans’ No. 1 draft pick, is quickly establishing himself as a notable presence in the team’s training camp. Ward has guided the Miami Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017. Because of this, his reputation as a player continues to soar among veterans and staff members ever less. Whether it’s his steadfast composure or his air of self-assurance, Riley’s presence has stuck with his fellow squad members, establishing a positive vibe within practice.
Ward’s dedication to relationship building, culturally across the organization and within each department, is clear. He set it upon himself with personal goals to learn the names of each person in their community within the facility including cafeteria staff. This initiative illustrates how much he understands that team culture goes deeper than just football on the field.
JC Latham, a fellow player, expressed high regard for Ward’s abilities, stating, “I think he’s a great player and a great pick for the team.” This sentiment goes to show the respect – and growing respect, that is – Ward has earned from his new teammates as he gets acclimated to the Titans’ culture.
Ward stands out in practice as well with eye-popping skills and chemistry with his speedy offensive unit. During a 7-on-7 drill, he connected with Van Jefferson on a route concept that would have resulted in a first down. Plays like these highlight Ward’s ability to be a field general and playmaker in the action above.
Brian Callahan, the Titans’ offensive coordinator, raved about Ward’s quick development. I think that he’s done a good job so far. His play so far would seem to indicate that he is just about a lock for the starting QB job.
Ward has beenthumping his chest over the newly retooled offensive line. He thinks it could be the most athletic and mobile group of people he’s ever been around. His hope is that this unit will be a big part of the success the Titans will have this season.
“Not everything got to be about football, but when we walk into the building, we know it’s all business,” – Cam Ward
Ward in particular excelled at this, and Nick Holz, a member of the coaching staff, shared that Ward had “an unusual charisma to touch everybody.” He’s got that kind of cool, calm confidence and kind of comes across as the same guy we met in the predraft meetings and the visits,” Holz remarked. This unyielding quality of character was instrumental in earning the trust of his teammates.
The bond that Ward has with his offensive linemen goes off of the practice field as well. Days before ending his season at Miami last November, he presented personalized diamond chains to his offensive linemen. This simple gesture is another testament to his commitment to team bonding and camaraderie.
Through the first few weeks of training camp, Ward’s natural leadership was hard to miss. His steady, quiet confidence has pushed his new teammates to raise their games right along with him. Moore, another player on the team, remarked, “Whenever he’s talking, he has a sense of confidence that guys can feel and I sense that we’ll be able to feed off of energy from him.”
As camp wears on, the pressure to meet those expectations gets higher and higher for Ward. Skoronski, another member of the as-yet-unlucky offensive line, said they’ve all already built a rapport with him. As they gear up for season ahead, this rapport will be critical.
Leave a Reply