Former NFL tight end and current Fox Sports analyst Greg Olsen has lauded Tennessee Titans' No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Ward, for his exceptional mindset and leadership qualities. Olsen, who is also an alumni at the University of Miami, emphasized Ward's resilience and maturity following his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd'.
"I had dinner with him [Mario Cristobal] after spring ball before summer camp, before last year's season and he said, 'Greg, we've had a lot of like dogs in this, you know, the Sean Taylors and the Antrell Rolls and the Edgerrin James. We've had some really big-time personalities that have taken charge of a locker room here. In all my years at Miami, I'm not sure if we've had a guy like Cam Ward who's from day one changed everything about who we were, our identity, how we practice, how we met. Wait 'till you see this kid this year.'"
It is a major testament to his character that he was able to become a leader from day one in that locker room. It is also high praise from two big figures in Miami Hurricanes football.
Ward's path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. Starting his college career at Incarnate Word, he then transferred to Washington State before finishing at Miami. During his final season with the Hurricanes, Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning accolades such as the Davey O'Brien Award and the Manning Award.
The Titans, seeking a fresh start after a 3-14 season, are banking on Ward to revitalize their franchise. As Ward prepares to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Titans, he carries with him the hopes of a franchise eager for a turnaround and the endorsement of seasoned professionals like Olsen and Cristobal who recognize his potential.