In a recent interview, former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward sparked controversy by excluding legendary defensive tackle Warren Sapp from his personal "Mount Rushmore" of Miami football greats. Ward's selections included Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, Andre Johnson, and himself. The omission of Sapp, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football history, drew some backlash from fans and alumni.
Sapp's career at Miami included winning the Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Bill Willis Trophy in 1994. He was a consensus All-American and later became a seven-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. His contributions were pivotal in bringing Miami back to national prominence.
Ward's decision to include himself on the list despite only one season with the Hurricanes could be seen as premature. While he had a record-breaking season in 2024 leading Miami to a 10-3 record and earning accolades such as the ACC Player of the Year, some fans felt that his self-inclusion overlooked the program's history and the achievements of past legends like Sapp. Prior to arriving to Miami, Ward played at Incarnate Word and Washington State. At Incarnate Word he won the Jerry Rice award, given to the most outstanding freshman in the FCS.
The list has ignited discussions about respect for the program's legacy and the importance of acknowledging those who laid the foundation for current successes. But regardless of what people may think, what Ward was able to do last season is undeniable. The Hurricanes defense struggled throughout the year and in many instances Ward had to orchestrate late-game heroics to squeeze out a win.
Some fans also suggested other Miami football greats should be on the list such as Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Jim Kelly and Edgerrin James. The amount of additional players that could have been included on the list shows why fans should not take his Mount Rushmore so seriously. When selecting the top players for any program of Miami's caliber it is inevitable for some names to be left off the list.
Currently Ward is preparing for the NFL Draft, where he is projected to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans. If Ward is taken with the top pick in the NFL Draft, he will be the third player from Miami to earn the honor, following Vinny Testaverde in 1987 and Russell Maryland in 1991.