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

Cam Ward's Epic Pre-Draft Message to Titans Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated May 1, 2025 10:43 AM ET

The Tennessee Titans endured one of the most brutal seasons in franchise history last year, but the payout ended up being spectacular. They earned the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which netted them quarterback Cam Ward, who will almost certainly be a massive upgrade over his predecessor, Will Levis.

Although Tennessee truly weighed all of their options during the pre-draft process and even considered trading back from the first pick, the stars began aligning for Ward and the Titans just ahead of the event. When the team was finally on the clock, they did not hesitate to turn in the card and select the potential franchise player.

Ward was one of the most confident prospects in the draft, which many feel is a necessity for a player to thrive as an NFL quarterback. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that Ward even made an incredibly bold statement to a room full of Titans coaches and front office members just before the draft.

“You don’t draft me, and you’re gonna pay for it,” Ward said. “I mean it, and I stand on it.”

This kind of confidence is not typically found in a young player, and especially not in one who can back it up with his play. A new era is clearly underway in Tennessee, and Ward is hoping to lead the charge for a Titans franchise and fan base that is desperate for success. It sounds like he believes that he can do it, so Titans fans should as well.

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

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