Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward holds the jersey on stage after he is selected by the Tennessee Titans as the No. 1 pick. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Watch: Hall of Famer allows Titans' Cam Ward to wear retired No. 1 jersey

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 6:49 PM ET

Cam Ward wore a jersey number in college that has been retired by his new NFL team, but it turns out the star quarterback is not going to have to make a change as he begins his professional career.

As expected, Ward was drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick on Thursday night. The former Miami star held his introductory news conference with the franchise on Friday. During the media session, Titans legend Warren Moon surprised Ward with an awesome gesture.

Moon is the reason jersey No. 1 is retired by the Titans. The Hall of Fame quarterback presented Ward with a No. 1 jersey and gave the rookie permission to wear it.

Passing the Torch pic.twitter.com/M9NMA0H0uH
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025

Moon played for the Titans from 1984-1993 when they were the Houston Oilers. After beginning his professional career in the Canadian Football League, he became one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl nine times. Moon owns dozens of franchise records in Tennessee.

Ward will naturally face a great deal of pressure, which is true of any first overall draft pick. The Titans expect him to become a franchise quarterback and turn their recent misfortunes around.

The Hall of Famer Moon must have high hopes for Ward as well, otherwise he would not have given the 22-year-old permission to wear a jersey number that has been retired for good reason.

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

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