Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward is already making a strong impression during his first days with the team.
After reporting to the facility Thursday, Ward began connecting with teammates and quickly showcasing his leadership at rookie minicamp over the weekend.
Ward, who previously played at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and briefly at Miami, is focused on building relationships and learning the playbook.
While he’s already familiar with former Miami teammate Xavier Restrepo, he’s actively getting to know the rest of the roster.
“It’s me opening up to my new teammates,” Ward said. “I already know X, but now I’m connecting with the other guys.”
One of those connections is with tight end Gunnar Helm, who noted Ward’s early commitment to film study. Helm said the rookies have been arriving early each day to review tape and build chemistry.
“He’s just a great leader,” Helm said. “Easy to talk to and communicate with on the field.”
Ward’s leadership was also on display during Saturday’s practice, the first open to local media. After a missed connection on a pass to rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor, Ward called him back to run the rep again—this time resulting in a clean completion.
“You’ve got to get it while it’s hot,” Ayomanor said. “He gets the ball out fast, which is great and something I’m adjusting to.”
Titans head coach Brian Callahan said leadership comes naturally to Ward and expects it to grow as he gets more comfortable. Rookie wideout Chimere Dike echoed that, calling Ward “a really good leader” with strong presence and accuracy.
Ward is set to meet the veteran players when they arrive Monday, as he continues taking early steps toward earning his role in Tennessee.
Photo: Carly Mackler/Getty Images
