Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has already created a ton of excitement within the Tennessee Titans building, as teammates and coaches rain praises for Cam’s development, leadership and early connection with key players like wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
During a training camp session, fans lined up to get Cam’s autograph while watching him put on a show with many highlight throws. Despite no pads or any live tackling, his command of the offense and ability to adapt and grow has stood out throughout the sessions.
Head coach Brian Callahan echoed that sentiment to the media.
“Every time he goes out, he sees something new and and makes an adjustment and gets better for it," Callahan said. "So as many third down periods and work that we can get for Cam is going to put him in a place where he should be ready to go for the regular season.”
"You can't help but to rally behind him," said star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
Cam’s quick growth and progress are significant as the Titans transition to a new era. Ward, drafted first overall, has stepped into the starting role with extreme confidence, taking the first team reps and showing off elite poise while under immense pressure. His rapport with Ridley is already paying off, with a ton of completions and several touchdowns during the team’s red-zone drills.
"We're going to bring some fun to Nashville," Ridley said.
The Titans are coming off a brutal 3-14 season, where they ranked 27th in points per game and 26th in yards per game. The team struggled to throw the ball with any confidence, ranking 32nd in interception rate. Now with Ward under center, the hope is to turn things around. If these early training camp performances are any indication, Cam may not only bring a spark to a team badly needing one, but he may also set the tone for long-term success for many years to come.
Cam Ward Loses Receiver to Camp Injury
The 2025 season is a big one for the Tennessee Titans. After finishing tied for the worst record in the league last year with just three wins, the Titans were awarded the top pick in the NFL Draft. Led by new head coach Brian Callahan, they used it to select quarterback Cam Ward, immediately raising expectations heading into the season.
As training camp opened earlier this week, Ward stepped right into the QB1 role and began working with the projected starters. But at Saturday’s practice, one of those starters went down with an early training camp injury.
Former Arkansas Razorbacks standout Treylon Burks suffered an injury after making a diving one-handed catch. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Burks is believed to have fractured his collarbone.
Burks began his NFL career in 2022 and has appeared in 27 games. He’s had limited usage so far, but hopes were higher this year with a dynamic new quarterback under center. In those 27 games, Burks has recorded 53 receptions and one touchdown. He was expected to start alongside Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, but with this injury, Van Jefferson may move into a starting role.
This is a setback for Ward, who is projected to start immediately over veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. Ward played five seasons of college football, finishing at Miami. In his final season with the Hurricanes, he threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
Last season, Tennessee ranked 26th in the league in total yards per game (304.2) and 26th in passing yards per game (195.1). The Titans averaged just 18.3 points per game, ahead of only five other teams.
Ward’s first NFL game is scheduled for September 7, when the Titans open the season on the road against the Denver Broncos.
