Cam Ward hasn’t taken a snap in an NFL regular-season game yet, but he’s already earning major respect inside the Tennessee Titans locker room. After wrapping up rookie mini-camp, the buzz around the young quarterback is growing—and it’s not just coaches and fans who are noticing. One Titans veteran made headlines this week with a bold and public endorsement: “He’s the real deal.”
That veteran is star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who didn’t hesitate to praise Ward’s poise, mechanics, and leadership during the early sessions. “I’ve been around a lot of young quarterbacks in my time here,” Simmons said. “But Cam carries himself differently. He’s confident, sharp, and already asking the right questions. You can see the potential, no doubt.”
Ward, a third-round pick out of Washington State, entered rookie mini-camp with the typical questions surrounding young signal-callers—arm strength, playbook adjustment, leadership transition—but according to multiple sources inside the organization, he’s silencing critics quickly. Coaches reportedly love his football IQ and attention to detail, with some insiders suggesting he could push for reps sooner than expected.
For Ward, it’s just the beginning. “I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and earn the respect of the guys around me,” he told reporters after the final mini-camp practice. “Hearing that from someone like Simmons means a lot. That’s the kind of guy you want to go to battle with.”
While the Titans are still committed to Will Levis as their presumed starter heading into the season, Ward’s early performance adds a compelling storyline to training camp. With a new coaching staff looking to establish a fresh culture in Tennessee, players like Ward could find themselves in the spotlight faster than projected.
Simmons echoed that sentiment: “