Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cam Ward Came to Tennessee to Lead

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Cam Ward has barely unpacked in Nashville and he's already taking control.

As the Tennessee Titans kicked off training camp earlier this week, their new quarterback didn’t waste time blending into the background. Ward, the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was front and center during Saturday’s workouts. He made it clear what kind of teammate he plans to be.

“Being a good teammate, leading guys when you need to, and not being a selfish player.”

That was Ward’s answer when asked about leadership by NFL Network during practice. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. His focus is on earning trust, setting the tone, and proving he belongs in the locker room.

“Being a good teammate, leading guys when you need to, and not being a selfish player.”

Rookie QB @Cameron7Ward talks about where his leadership comes from & what it means to have the team’s back.

Back Together Weekend – Live on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4Jmu3S3L7c
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2025

Ward’s used to defying expectations.

He began his college career at Incarnate Word in 2020, then transferred to Washington State for two seasons before transferring again to Miami. In just one year with the Hurricanes, he passed for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He added 204 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. That performance earned him the Davey O’Brien Award and ACC Player of the Year honors.

Not bad for someone who came out of high school as a zero-star recruit.

When the Titans selected Ward with the first overall pick in 2025, he became the first unranked high school recruit in over 20 years to go No. 1 in the NFL Draft.

Now, he's in line to become QB1 in Tennessee. With Will Levis expected to miss the entire season due to a shoulder injury, the starting job is Ward’s to lose. He’ll still need to beat out veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, but that looks more like a formality than a true competition.

The Titans, now led by second-year head coach Brian Callahan, are coming off a rough 3-14 season that ended with six straight losses. They’ll open the 2025 campaign on the road against the Denver Broncos on September 7.

Ward’s message is clear: he didn’t come to the NFL to blend in. He came to lead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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