The number one pick in the 2025 NFL draft was at the center of a fiery altercation with a Tennessee Titans teammate.
Cam Ward, the top-ranked rookie quarterback, snapped at veteran defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons after a practice on Monday.
The former Miami Hurricanes alumni landed a touchdown pass in training and celebrated in the heat with his new Titans teammates.
However, tension flared in the near 100-degree heat in Nashville following Ward aiming his trademark ‘Zombieland’ celebration towards Simmons.
The incident came minutes after reportedly shoving the six-year NFL pro in a tense pre-season run through.
Tennessee Titans need to protect Cam Ward at all costs
Simmons, who’s been the cornerstone of the Titans’ defence and one of their most experienced players since being drafted in 2019, didn’t enjoy his teammates’ actions.
He responded to their new player by grabbing and pushing his facemask, which in turn fired up the offensive linemen.
If Ward ever needed reassurance ahead of the season that his offensive muscle would have his back, this was the moment as they rushed in and fought his corner.
After the tension had cooled, Titans left tackle Dan Moore Jr. made it clear that no one would be putting their hands on their prize, first overall pick at quarterback.
Practice continued with Simmons removed after his helmet had been made loose before head coach Brian Callahan blew his whistle and had his team running sprints.
The Titans will hope the incident is a sign that their side is hitting the intensity of competition needed to win in the NFL after three straight losing seasons.
And rallying behind Cam Ward will be key to their success.
Who is Cam Ward, and how good is the Tennessee Titans’ new quarterback?
Cam Ward’s path to the NFL has been unique; the rookie is 23 years old and has already played three seasons of college football.
He’s played most recently for Miami and Washington State and became the first zero-star recruit to be drafted No. 1 in this century.
And his work ethic is equally impressive, with the quarterback possessing a football-first mentality where he wakes up and watches film.
He’s already earned the rare privilege of wearing a retired jersey after Warren Moon personally gave his blessing for Ward to take his No. 1 jersey.
When does the Tennessee Titans’ NFL regular season begin?
The Titans have one more pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 23.
They have beaten the Atlanta Falcons and lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in pre-season to date.
Their regular season will get underway with a trip to face the Denver Broncos at the Empower Field at Mile High on September 7.
The Titans have not had a winning season since 2021 and will be desperate to overcome their practice incident ahead of their regular-season opener.
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