Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has experienced a few eventful months starting from April. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. On Wednesday, he was named as one of the team's captains. The captains are selected by the teammates, so picking a rookie is a surprise and at the same time, shows the players' confidence in him.
On Thursday, after the Titans' practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, coach Brian Callahan spoke about what led to Ward's captaincy.
"Cam's definitely earned it, the leadership he’s shown over the course of time here in the offseason through training camp, most guys have a lot of respect for him," Callahan said.
“He definitely earned it.”
— Jill Jelnick (@JillJelnick) August 28, 2025
HC Brian Callahan on rookie QB Cam Ward being named 1 of 7 captains for this season.
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While it is common for quarterbacks to be captains, Callahan emphasized Ward's qualities beyond the position's tradition. "But I do think all the qualities that he has shown as a leader are pretty much deserving of the captaincy," Callahan added.
Ward joins a leadership group that includes wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, safety Amani Hooker, linebacker Cody Barton and long snapper Morgan Cox.
Callahan revealed that the vote was nearly unanimous. "I think it was pretty close to unanimous for him. So that was good to see."
Ward is the first rookie named a Titans captain since Marcus Mariota in 2015.