The Tennessee Titans had a pleasing shock in retailer for the primary Ward of Pick Cam on the whole throughout his introductory press convention on Friday.
The legend of Houston Oilers and the quarterback of the Hall of Fame of Houston Football Warren Moon arrived as a particular visitor, not solely hugging Ward, however giving him his blessing to put on his shirt n. 1 retired like Titan.
“I wore no 1 for a lot of completely different causes and we wore it for a very long time, beginning in 1976 once I was in school,” mentioned Moon, who flew from his residence to Houston for the shock announcement. “I feel I’ve worn it in a really honorable means for the group of Houston Oilers on the level the place I created a profession of Hall of Fame for myself. Now I’m a part of the Tennessee Titans household and my Houston Oiler will in all probability by no means be worn – I hope not, however the Tennessee Titans Jersey shall be worn by Cam.
“And CAM will start a brand new … freshness on this group to revitalize it and produce it again the place it was a number of years in the past once we have been probably the most profitable organizations within the championship. I’m excited to see what is going to do with its inheritance that she wore this quantity.”
Ward Cold known as Moon a few month in the past, when the titans have been specializing in him as your best option to see if the moon would “distort” his quantity for him. The quantity was collected by the Titans group in 2006, the yr Moon entered the Hall of Fame.
“I did not know (Moon’s go to) was occurring, however I knew it could occur, and I’m excited that Mr. Moon is giving me his blessing with this quantity,” mentioned Ward, who turned your best option within the draft of the 2025 NFL on Thursday night. “For me, the quantity would by no means imply something. It considerations the video games you make on the sector, so I’m prepared for this chance with my teammates.”
Ward, who was born in 2002, acknowledged that he didn’t know the moon till the start of the draft and the potential of taking part in for the Titans started to change into a chance. So he noticed the highlights to familiarize himself with the legend of the franchise, who moved away from the sport in 2000 on the age of 44.
“Before calling him, I secured to take a look at his highlights to verify he was professional,” Ward mentioned. “It was. He was professional. I’m attempting to go as much as his stage in the future. He might want me a while, however in the long run I’ll get there. It’s a Hall of Fame and for me to be in the identical quantity by which he was an honor.”
The Titans now relaxation their belief in Ward to change into the face of the franchise and lift a staff that has endured three consecutive losers, touching 3-14 final yr.
“We crossed your entire course of with him and clearly got here out of the participant, but additionally with the one who is, the chief and teammate,” mentioned the final supervisor Mike Borgonzi. “We did not suppose it was extra worthy of representing this franchise than Cam Ward.”
Ward, who performed in three completely different faculties – embodied Word, Washington State and Miami (fla.) – He mentioned that having been taken first by the Titans was the success of a life for all times.
“I’ve prayed for this since I used to be six years outdated,” mentioned Ward, who launched 44 huchdown passages for Miami final season for 4,313 yards. “I’m able to put myself at work … to be with my teammates and attempt to win some video games sooner or later.”
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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