In a meaningful gesture bridging the Tennessee Titans' past with its promising future, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has granted rookie quarterback Cam Ward permission to wear his retired No. 1 jersey. Moon surprised Ward during his introductory press conference in Nashville, personally presenting him with the jersey and offering his blessing.
Passing the Torch pic.twitter.com/M9NMA0H0uH
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025
Moon, who wore No. 1 throughout his illustrious career with the Houston Oilers — which later became the Tennessee Titans — had his jersey retired in 2006. Despite never playing in Tennessee, Moon's legacy remains integral to the organization. Recognizing the symbolic nature of the number, Moon expressed his confidence in Ward, stating, "Cam will be starting a new freshness in this organization to kind of revitalize it and get it back to where it was a number of years ago".
Ward, selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had worn No. 1 during part of his college career at Washington State and the University of Miami. Understanding the number's significance within the Titans organization, Ward reached out to Moon about a month prior to the draft to seek his approval.
Reflecting on the moment, "I've got a lot of respect (for Warren)." I am excited that Mr. Moon was able to bless me by giving me this number. … I didn't know much about him until the draft was really getting started. Before I called him, I made sure I watched his highlights to make sure he was legit. He was, he was legit. I'm trying to get up to his level one day."
From one No. 1 to the next @WMoon1 surprises @cameron7ward with the #️⃣1️⃣ jersey pic.twitter.com/WIAVDIScma
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025
Moon acknowledged the parallels between their journeys, noting both faced skepticism early in their careers. "He has a chance to create a great legacy for that number with this organization, where I did mine with the Houston organization," Moon said.
As Ward embarks on his professional career, the endorsement from a franchise legend like Moon symbolizes a passing of the torch. With the weight of history on his shoulders and the support of a Hall of Famer, Ward seems to be poised to carve out his own legacy in Tennessee.