As the Tennessee Titans prepare to select QB Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a jersey number dilemma has emerged. Ward, who wore No. 1 for part of his college career at Washington State and the University of Miami, may not be able to continue in the NFL — unless a pro football legend grants his blessing.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon, whose No. 1 jersey was retired by the Titans in 2006 to honor his career with the franchise (then known as the Houston Oilers), has indicated he is open to the idea of unretiring the number for Ward. In an interview with reporter Paul Kuharsky, Moon stated, "I'm thinking about it."
Warren Moon may let Cam Ward wear his retired No. 1 if drafted by the Titans pic.twitter.com/hbG8urhKOt
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 23, 2025
Moon's tenure with the Oilers lasted from 1984 to 1993. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL with 33 passing touchdowns in 1990, and still holds many of the franchise's all-time passing records.
Ward's journey to the NFL has not been conventional. Starting as a zero-star recruit, he excelled at Incarnate Word, earning the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS. After transferring to Washington State and later to Miami, Ward's performance peaked during his final collegiate season as he earned the Davey O'Brien Award and ACC Player of the Year honors.
The Titans, who finished the 2024 season with a 3–14 record, have been transparent about their intentions to select Ward with the top pick. General Manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed the team's decision to draft Ward.
While Ward has expressed a preference for wearing No. 1, he is also comfortable with the No. 7, which he wore during his early college years and in high school. Ward wore No. 7 at Columbia High School and at Incarnate Word. It actually was not until Washington State, which retired the number for center Mel Hein. No. 7 is currently unassigned on the Titans roster, so that seems like the likely alternative if Moon decides to keep his jersey retired.
The potential unretiring of Moon's jersey for Ward would be a significant gesture. The 2025 NFL Draft is set for tomorrow in Green Bay, Wisconsin.