Cam Ward Recalls Father's Advice 'Not to F--k It Up' About Opportunity to Play in NFL

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward revealed the advice that his father gave him in regards to playing at the NFL level.

Ward said that his dad, Calvin, told him that this is his one chance to play in the NFL and "not to f--k it up," per ESPN's Turron Davenport.

Expectations are high for the signal-caller after the Titans selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

"Cameron going No. 1, that's still surreal to me, knowing how he got there," Calvin said, via Davenport. "It was like a dream knowing your son is the No. 1 quarterback."

Ward was a zero-star recruit in high school who only received one offer from Incarnate Word, but explained that his father's presence helped him throughout the process.

"[My dad] wouldn't let me take no for an answer," Cam said, per Davenport. "That's what kept me steady throughout the whole process knowing that I'll eventually get an offer, but he just constantly motivated me. He constantly told me the journey is never going to be easy."

Ward shined at Incarnate Word in both 2020 and 2021 before transferring to Washington State ahead of the 2022 season. Following two more successful years with the Cougars, he entered the portal once again and eventually landed with Miami.

The 23-year-old put together a breakout 2024 campaign as a member of the Hurricanes, finishing No. 4 in Heisman Trophy voting.

In 13 games, Ward completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns compared to a mere seven interceptions.

While he hasn't been named Tennessee's 2025 starter just yet, he should receive plenty of opportunities to make an early impact during the upcoming season after reportedly making a strong impression at minicamp.

With the help of his father, Ward doesn't seem to be taking the opportunity to suit up as a member of the Titans for granted.