Cam Ward Responds to Tennessee Titans Fans' Threats

Cam Ward Responds to Tennessee Titans Fans’ Threats

The Tennessee Titans’ winless start has created plenty of frustration among fans, but quarterback Cam Ward says some of that anger has crossed a serious line.

Ward addressed threatening messages directed toward members of his family Wednesday after his sister, Chantel Ward, publicly spoke out about the treatment they have received following Tennessee’s 0-3 start.

“People are weird,” Ward said. “They can say whatever they want at the end of the day, but I think football will take care of a lot of it.”

The situation intensified following Tennessee’s heartbreaking 12-7 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.

The Titans had an opportunity to capture their first victory in the final seconds. With Tennessee at the Giants’ 7-yard line and only 24 seconds remaining, Ward attempted to make the game-winning play. Instead, Giants safety Jevon Holland intercepted his pass, ending the Titans’ comeback attempt.

Cam Ward Family Reacts

Shortly afterward, Chantel Ward posted a message on social media addressing fans who had targeted her and other family members.

“The fact I even have to post this is diabolical,” she wrote.

She acknowledged that criticism comes with professional sports. Fans can question performances, coaching decisions, interceptions and other mistakes. However, she argued that seeking out relatives and personally attacking them because of what happened during a football game goes far beyond normal criticism.

Ward also defended his family’s decision to respond.

“There’s also an aspect of me being someone’s son or brother,” Ward said.

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with fans criticizing Ward’s performance. That comes with playing quarterback in the NFL, especially when your team is 0-3. But threatening a player or members of his family is completely unacceptable.

Football is entertainment. Players are still human beings with parents, siblings, spouses and children who should never have to fear for their safety because of the outcome of a game. No interception, missed tackle or loss justifies threatening someone.

There has to be a line between passionate criticism and dangerous behavior, and threatening athletes or their families clearly crosses it. Ward believes winning can quiet much of the outside noise.

“Every adverse situation I have, I’m going to take on,” Ward said. “It’s really just about making plays on the football field.”

Ward can control what happens between the lines. What he and his family should not have to deal with are threats coming from people who cannot separate football from real life.